I'm Pete du Pont with the National Center for Policy Analysis. Maybe I'm reading too much into one article, but when one of the most liberal columnists — Ellen Goodman — from the one of the most liberal papers — The Boston Globe — all but swoons for Ralph Nader, I have to wonder how Al Gore feels.
That Goodman and other liberals wouldn't consider the Bush-Cheney ticket is a given. The only question is whether they'll form ranks behind Gore.
But she asks the question: When do progressives stop voting for the perennial "lesser of two evils" (meaning the Democrat)? Clinton-Gore, she figures, repealed welfare, failed on civil liberties, liked Star Wars. Who needs them? They haven't taken the lead on then environment, on poverty, on race relations. The green party's Nader offers solutions they like. It isn't Nader's job to bow out, but Gore's job to offer more.
Goodman doesn't actually come out for Nader, but makes it clear she's waiting for more from Gore — meaning a leftward turn — as well. A revolt from the fringe is one nightmare Bush isn't losing sleep over.
Those are my ideas, and at the NCPA we know ideas can change the world. I'm Pete du Pont. Next time, Education in Texas.