Observations about Kerry vs. Nader/Green support

[drumwolf]

I live in San Francisco, where Democrat Gavin Newsom was considered the "conservative" candidate in last year's mayoral election. Not surprisingly, during the 2000 election campaign, there was Nader/Green literature all over the place -- posters, buttons, and bumper stickers supporting Nader and saying things like "Gush/Bore" and "Al and George make me want to Ralph."

This year, I don't see any of that. I do see tons of K/E buttons, bumper stickers, and T-shirts everywhere I go. I see as much enthusiasm for Kerry this year as there was for Nader at this same time four years ago. Yes, I know Nader's off the ballot in California, but the Greens are running David Cobb and they are on the ballot here. But I see very little if any open signs of support for Nader OR the Greens.

One notable example of this is the San Francisco Bay Guardian, which is pretty much a Green-style progressive publication and which tends to endorse Green candidates. The Bay Guardian is pretty much supporting Kerry's candidacy, even though he's not as progressive as they would like. They endorsed Nader last time, but they have joined in the chorus of former Nader supporters urging him not to run.

I've met exactly one person who plans to vote third-party this year, and this was a casual stranger who is adamant that Kerry is equally as bad as Bush on foreign policy. I'm sure he wouldn't vote for Kerry even if both Nader AND Cobb were off the ballot.

From what I see, the Greens aren't going to take too many votes away from Kerry among San Francisco voters. This reinforces a gut feeling I have, which is that Nader isn't going to damage Kerry to the extent he damaged Gore last time.

Anyone in other parts of the country see a similar or different view?

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. Greens have decided not to campaign in places

it might cost Kerry a victory.