Crash-test dummies endorse Nader
Ralph Nader’s controversial quest for the presidency received
a major boost today as the nation’s crash-test dummies pledged
their silent support.
Nader, best known in political circles for helping George
W. Bush reach the White House in the 2000 election, rose to
prominence in the mid-1960s when his book "Unsafe at
Any Speed" led to new automobile safety laws.
"This president is a friggin’ lemon," said Nader,
invoking the terminology that made him almost as much of a
pariah in the automobile industry as he is now among Democrats
who believe his candidacy will help Bush gain re-election.
Appearing Sunday on "Meet the Press," Nader said
President Bush ought to be impeached for lying his way into
an unnecessary war and for being (actual quote) "a giant
corporation in the White House masquerading as a human being."
White House spokesman Scott McClellan responded by giving
reporters a nearly illegible fax that he said proves the president
is, in fact, a human being.
Nevertheless, many leading Democrats are concerned that Nader’s
brand of straight talk will siphon votes away from the party’s
eventual nominee.
Terry McAuliffe, chairman of the Democratic National Committee,
leads a long list of influential players who have begged Nader
not to run. They include Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico,
the biggest name reporters could reach on Sunday to badmouth
Nader’s presidential bid, and comedian Dana Carvey, who said
he would prefer to see Texas funnyman Ross Perot enter the
race.
Opponents to Nader’s candidacy also have set up web sites
with names like www.whatthehellareyouthinkingralph.com and
www.ohpleasedudenotagain.com.
Nader, who received a lovely thank-you note from President
and Mrs. Bush after the 2000 election, is now accusing the
president of "high crimes and misdemeanors."
Responding to "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert’s
question on how he feels about being called a "spoiler,"
Nader replied, "Gotcha, Tim! You’re on my new hidden
camera show – The Ralph Nader Ego Trip 2004!"