Ralph Nader's ode to Hillary Clinton

Another precinct heard from: Now it’s Ralph Nader who’s weighing in on the never-ending campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

While Nader himself is running again for president, he appears to see a kindred spirit in Hillary Clinton. The longtime activist -– who knows a thing or two about running for office when others wish he would withdraw –- is urging Clinton to stay in the race. For as long as she wishes.

Perhaps most interestingly, he’s doing it in the form, unusual in American political communication, of free verse.

He’s calling ...

the piece, now on his campaign web site, “Don’t Listen to Senator Leahy:”

Senator Clinton:

Just read where Senator Patrick Leahy is calling on you to drop out of the Presidential race.

Believe me.

I know something about this.

Here’s my advice:

Don’t listen to people when they tell you not to run anymore.

That’s just political bigotry.

Listen to your own inner citizen First Amendment voice.

This is America.

Just like every other citizen, you have a right to run.

Whenever you like.

For as long as you like.

It’s up to you, Hillary.

Just tell them –

It’s democracy.

Get used to it.

Yours truly,

Ralph Nader

-- Matthew Hay Brown

Matthew Hay Brown write for the Swamp of the Chicago Tribune's Washington bureau.

Comments

[Kyle]

A very equanimous reply to Clinton's "passing fancy" remarks about Nader's campaign. While I think this sentiment is a sincere reflection of Nader's constitutional principles, he'd benefit greatly if Clinton manages to steal the nomination – not only because he loathes her (with good reason) but because there will be a nation of Obamaniacs looking for a revenge vote.

[Brett]

Nader in the Ron Paul form...it's just beautiful to see. Hopefully the MSM will let Nader have a voice and the RNC/DNC will let him in the debates...but it's doubtful.

[steve conn]

Ralph Nader is right as usual. Hillary's fight with Obama will toughen him up for the next round as he battles the twin Demons of Republican slander and Racism. In the end Obama can win if he listens to Nader and takes over his positions on domestic and foreign policy-positions Americans support.

[dave]

now clinton does not need nader to tell her she has the right to run (which might not be exactly legally true though).
so he too is not free of ulterior motives.
but is his advice a true lie, or harmless ambiguity?
or simple expression of his conclusion that to 'support' clinton now really means to strengthen the political 'fringes,' whatever their colors?