pudge's Journal: Nader/CPD Update

I heard Nader on radio tonight. He talked about the CPD, and how OpenDebates and the CDC were trying to get alternative debates.

He noted that the Democrats are using a lot of dirty tricks, including various lawsuits. In one, they said he should not be on the ballot, despite meeting all the requirements and getting all the signatures, because his campaign doesn't have much money in the bank! I missed that part of the election requirements, I guess ...

He said the GOP were gathering signatures for him in a few states, but that he turned them down.

When asked why the GOP didn't do this to Buchanan etc., Nader said he thinks it is because the GOP is used to third party candidates who make a run, while the Democrats aren't, so they try to fight it.

Wish I heard the program

[SiliconJesus]

I'm all for open debates, the two party system is leaving many on both sides of the line such as myself jaded with both parties. I have liberal ideas, and conservative ideas, but I'm finding myself mostly aligned with the Constitution and Libertarian parties (i.e. the 'Get your hand out of my pocket parties'). I'm glad Nader is bringing the open debates stuff out, and I understand why he doesn't want the GOP getting his name on the ballots.

At the rate we're going, it would seem that elections are going

Meant to add this in the parent.

[SiliconJesus]

Open Debates website is at http://opendebates.org/ [opendebates.org].

Re:Wish I heard the program

[Bombcar]

No, he wants on the ballots, but not with Republican help, because that gives credence to the argument that he's only running to spoil Kerry.

The very fact that we're in a race where someone who gets 1% of the vote can be called a "spoiler" is pretty sad.

Perhaps doubling the number of representatives would give more of a chance for Libertarians, Greens, et al to get into the main political "sphere" as it were.

This is hardly surprising

[osgeek]

When asked why the GOP didn't do this to Buchanan etc., Nader said he thinks it is because the GOP is used to third party candidates who make a run, while the Democrats aren't, so they try to fight it.

I've noticed a pattern whereby Democrats are very hypocritical when it comes to free speech. Did you observe all the Democratic protesters who tried to interrupt the Republican Convention? I don't recall seeing the same happen at the Democratic Convention.

Did you read any stories [wired.com] about hackers shutting