REALITY CHECK RE The Nader Factor

I see all kinds of people making a fuss about Nader, how he will draw votes from Kerry, etc.

While I agree that Nader should NOT run, andd we neeed every progressive vote we can get, I think this should be kept in mind:

1. Even if he's on all 50 states' ballots, it's unlikely that the 5% numbers he's showing now will materialize. It would probably be closer to the 2% or so he got in 200.

2. The more important factor: The Green Party - In 2000, he had the Greens' apparatus working for him, getting him on ballots in I believe it was 36 states. Now he's on his own, and I'm not sure that he'll be on any ballots this time around. I don't believe he's on any at this point (correct me if I'm wrong.)

I believe common sense will hit a lot of people in the ballot box, and they'll do the right thing.

I wonder what Bush and friends have contributed to Nader so far?

In any case Nader has zero states by his own effort - but the reform party gift could be troublesome.

But I'd still rather have him out of the race. Or better yet, dancing the Tyburn jig.

actually does. You just know corporate media will talk his numbers up so Bush/Kerry race will like closer than it is.