Nader's critique of government of, by, and for corporations rings true for student activists. And, it's the first time they can hear that critique from an office-seeker rather than just another activist. As much as a political candidate can, Ralph Nader brings about that feeling that individuals can work together to make a change, as opposed to treating politics like a chess game that you're watching from a distance. It's making you feel like you can be an actual part of it. Because the Nader campaign doesn't have money to buy much television advertising, it's relying on word of mouth, rallies, leafleting, and more creative shows of support.
Student groups excel at that kind of politics.
Of course, Nader also has a roster of celebrity supporters, including Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and Hollywood's Susan Sarandon. Instead, he wants to inspire a new progressive movement that will push the government to reign in corporate power, protect the environment, and reform its own policies from criminal justice to gay marriage. Though they re obviously closer to Gore politically, Nader and his supporters are willing to risk drawing enough votes to push the victory to Bush. This tactic is risky. And Gore supporters point to the next president s Supreme Court appointments as evidence of the harm a Republican president could do.