Associates forecasting Nader presidential run
2/23/2008WASHINGTON - Four years after he announced a presidential run on NBC's Meet the Press, Ralph Nader appears to be ready to do it again.
He's scheduled to appear on the program tomorrow.
Longtime associates said they think the consumer advocate will announce his candidacy. Having abandoned the Green Party after being its nominee in 2000, he's more likely to run as an independent again, those familiar with his thinking said.
Kevin Zeese, Mr. Nader's 2004 campaign spokesman, who isn't involved in the 2008 exploratory efforts, said he thinks Mr. Nader will throw his hat in the ring again.
"If I had to guess, I'd say he's going to run, because the two parties are not bringing issues in a way that will help the people, but will help the corporations," Mr. Zeese said.
Mr. Nader was on the ballot in 34 states and the District of Columbia in 2004, but with Green Party access he had made it onto the ballots in 43 states and D.C. in 2000.
In 2008, the Green Party has a ballot line in 21 states.
Former Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D., Ga.) already is running for the party's nomination.