a question about (and also TO) Nader voters

[drumwolf]

I absolutely plan to vote for Kerry this fall, and not even out of pragmatism: I dislike Bush so much that I'd vote for his strongest opponent purely out of principle, even if I lived in an overwhelmingly red state where I could afford to vote Nader.

One thing I'm wondering about Nader voters is: is Nader really taking that many votes from Kerry? I have a hard time believing (or maybe I just don't WANT to believe) that most Nader voters this year would even consider voting for Kerry under any circumstances. Maybe this is wishful thinking, but I would hope that most voters who could ever be persuaded to vote for Kerry will do so.

Do any of you know Nader supporters that you think would have ever considered "holding their nose" and voting for Kerry under any circumstances?

And to all of you who will vote Nader, would you have ever considered voting for Kerry even without Nader in the race?

[x_y_no]

1. yes

Sure, there are a lot of Nader voters who wouldn't vote for either Kerry or Bush, but the only thing that matters is the ratio of those who would.. And Nader definitely draws far more Kerry voters than Bush voters. In a close race, that matters.

I belive this is a deliberate strategy on Nader's part to hurt the Democratic party, just like his closest advisor admitted his 2000 campaign was.

[pathansen]

2. Yes, I would vote for Kerry because he is VERY green!

Kerry has gotten the highest ratings (100%) on
protecting the environment.
I understand that he was one of the original founders of Earth Day.
He also seems to supports many things that Nader supports.
For example, he's been a leader for campaign finance reform.
He and Nader seem to be much more alike on many different issues
so I don't see any problem with voting for him instead of Nader.
Nader will not be able to win and Kerry is the only hope we have
of getting Bush out of office!

[newyawker99]

3. Hi graphannette!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

4. As a Green leaning voter who recently switched to Kerry

I find these kind of posts counter-productive at best. I have a lot more in common with the Greens and Nader than with Kerry, but I decided to hold my nose, swallow hard, and vote for a weak candidate because of the sheer evil of Boob-ya.

If you want the Green/Nader/Left votes try getting Kerry to stop chasing the mythical middle and turn left and decisively anti-war instead of whining about Nader.