But there is another side to Nader, which makes you believe that his break with the Democratic Party is irreparable. I never thought I'd say that. I should have done this in 1992. Clinton wouldn't have been president. The Democrats on Capitol Hill would have stopped it.
Alternative history is a tricky game.
And many voters who will flirt with Nader may decide that they will feel safer over the next four years with Gore in the White House. But make no mistake, Nader reminds us that political passions are still alive on the left even as the Democrats run what is perhaps their most conservative ticket since 1924. Embarrassing to admit, I still owe Nader an uncompleted report on the alleged misdeeds of the American Automobile Association. Walter Shapiro's column is appearing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Election Day.