Nader met with cheers, jeers at Harvard
CAMBRIDGE -- Third-party presidential candidate Ralph Nader came to Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government last night to deliver a speech on barriers to the presidency, and ran into some obstacles of his own. He was challenged several times by audience members who see him as a threat to Senator John F. Kerry's campaign.
After addressing the crowd of more than 800 people for about 30 minutes, Nader, 70, was berated by students and hecklers, some of whom urged him to drop out of the race.
Nader, a consumer advocate who ran for president in 2000, is blamed by many Democrats for siphoning votes from former vice president Al Gore.
"This coming election, getting [President] Bush out of office means so much to me," said one young man, who said he was a sophomore and refused to give his name. "I am so confused because I hold you in such high regard. I think everyone here has learned something from you -- what would it take for you to come out of the race?"
Nader made it clear that he had no plans to step aside before the Nov. 2 election, saying that third-party candidates, while not successful, bring issues into the national dialogue that would otherwise be ignored.
His campaign has received money from Bush supporters, and Republicans have helped Nader gain access to the ballots in some states. He is currently on the ballot in 33 states.
Another student asked Nader whether he thought "it would be more effective to come to these types of forums as a citizen and not as a candidate because you turn so many Democrats off because we see you as a threat."
Nader said his candidacy was necessary to offer a contrast to President Bush or Kerry. Nader accused them of being beholden to corporate interests and pursuing similar policies on Iraq. "You are going to end up with a prowar, pro-Patriot Act, procorporate globalization, procorporate welfare, protaxes for the rich," he said.
"I don't believe in unconditional surrender," Nader said in reference to those who support his politics but want "anybody but Bush."
As Nader neared the end of the question session, some students began singing in an effort to silence him.
William H. White, forum director at the Kennedy School's Institute of Politics, said the evening was an example of the emotions that politics can create.
"Public discussion -- that is what democracy is all about. Obviously, people have strong feelings, some I think rightfully so. He is willing to speak, and we are willing to host him."
Nader's speech at the Kennedy school began a swing that will take him to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and New York over the next four days.
After speaking at the Kennedy School, Nader walked to a book signing in Harvard Square. Much like his appearance at the Kennedy School, he was cheered and heckled as he walked into the bookstore.
