bkdelong

UPDATE: I e-mailed Prof. Raskin who mentioned that a "Nader Trader" is already underway at: http://www.nadertrader.org. Please pass the word.

For the last few months, I've been a staunch supporter of Ralph Nader. Primarily because I just got tired of listening to Al Gore and hearing him couch each and every statement, answer and comment to whatever audience he was addressing to the point where what he was saying was completely devoid of any truth or heart. I can't stand that!

Anyway, it wasn't until this week that I started to worry that my vote for Nader could put George W Bush in the White House. I can't bear not to vote with my heart - my convictions are important to me at this stage of my life. At the same time, I'm newly married and thinking of a family. I don't want someone like Bush dictating policy over my wife's ovaries, laughing off alternative religions, or making tax cuts that primarily benefit the rich. It's ridiculous.

I'm still going to vote Nader, because Massachusetts has always voted strongly Democratic. But what about other states? American University professor Jamin Raskin has come up with a phenomenal idea. It basically goes like this: Nader supporters vote in states where Gore is hard-pressed to get votes provided Gore supporters in swing-states hold fast. It's a little risque and strays from the "vote with your heart" principle that I've been touting for the last few weeks. However if I could guarantee that my second choice gets elected and still give Nader enough votes to get funding for the next election (and be able to participate in debates) then I'm all for it!

Let's get Votester going!

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