When did the embracing of choice, freedoms and rights become an issue and hindrance for the liberals?...The fact is Nader is mirrored towards Dean's feverant anti-war stance, and the option of choice is something I thought should be embraced by all regardless of political ideology...After all, my contention is that the relationship of us and the Government is solely based on the extent of choice, freedom, and rights!... The shrieking of Dean's rhetoric has been shown to be his downfall...The tactics and strategy shown lately from the wayward liberals will prove to their own downfall... When will they realize American citizens are forever connected and enamored with choice, freedom, rights! Yeaaaairrre!!! (courtesy of Dean) Dean calls on Nader to quit By JULIE MASON Copyright 2004 Houston ChronicleWashington Bureau MAJOR CANDIDATES: • President Bush (R) • Sen. John Kerry (D) • Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D) • Ralph Nader (I) WASHINGTON -- Billed as a debate between the two reigning agitators of the left, a testy showdown Friday between Howard Dean and Ralph Nader boiled down to one crucial argument: Should Nader quit the race? "Nobody knew how dreadful George Bush was going to be as president," Dean told Nader. "But Ralph, I think you're being disingenuous about your candidacy this year." Nader charged that Dean once shared his ideals but has since sold out to the mainstream, telling him: "You were an insurgent who is now adopting the role of being a detergent of the dirty linen of the Democratic Party." The legendary consumer activist and the feisty former Vermont governor met for a debate at the National Press Club broadcast live on National Public Radio. Neither is on the ballot, although Nader is waging a state-by-state campaign to get his name on ballots as an independent alternative to President Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry. Dean was a contender in the Democratic presidential primary but dropped out after a dismal third-place showing in Iowa. Dean has since pledged his support to Kerry and has made a priority of urging Nader, regarded by Democrats as a spoiler who cost Al Gore the election in 2000, to sit out this year's run for the White House. So, unshackled by the polite conventions of major-party debates, the duo spent a combative hour jawing a few different subjects but always returning to the burning issue of the day. "What I see in this candidacy is the perfect becoming the enemy of the good," Dean said of Nader. "In the long run, this is about American people who can't defend themselves against the kind of administration that George Bush has. And that's why I wish you were on our team, Ralph, because we really need you." Nader, however, would brook neither Dean's attacks nor his entreaties, saying voters deserve a better choice than what the two parties have put up this year, both of which are controlled by corporate interests. "You know, we're being told by the Democrats to look at hair, John Kerry's hair and John Edwards' hair," Nader said. "Let's get back to corporate power in America." Dean accused Nader of breaking a vow to use only volunteer workers to collect signatures to qualify for the ballot, and for taking money from Republicans and social conservatives who believe helping Nader will hurt Kerry's candidacy. Nader called Dean's claims inaccurate and unfair. He challenged Dean to disavow the Democratic Party accepting money from corporations accused by the government of wrongdoing. Dean responded, "Damn right I renounce that." Dean repeatedly praised Nader's ideals, but said the larger objective should be defeating Bush. Nader just as urgently argued the political system is bankrupt. "My purpose here is not to smear Ralph Nader," Dean said. Retorted Nader, "Oh no, not at all."
