The Nader Effect

There has been some speculation in Democratic circles that Nader might step aside this fall if the race looks close. But the candidate who says he is running because both parties have become captives of corporate interests has a clear answer to the question of whether he plans to fade away: "No. No. Keep hoping. It's not going to happen. This goes way beyond November. This is a movement that has to proliferate in all directions, year after year." Nader, who has always faulted Gore for losing his own base, says he would accept no blame for a Kerry failure. "If the Democrats cannot beat George Bush, that means they're not Democrats; they're crypto-Republicans. And people will always choose the real thing," Nader says, adding, "The only time to drop out is before you drop in. You do not betray your volunteers and your supporters." The next time you happen to be at a truck pull, don't be surprised if someone asks for your autograph.

--With reporting by Perry Bacon Jr.