Ehrehnreich bastardizes Nader

Barbara Ehrenreich's column ("It's Over Ralph," New York Times, July 18, 2004)regarding Ralph Nader leaves out a few elements. In describing how things have changed since the 2000 election, she points out the "slew of candidates… preaching [Nader's] vision... within the Democratic Party". This neglects their recent marginalization, notably, Dean playing the anti-Nader attack dog and Kucinich's losing battle to adapt a platform reflecting the wishes of 56% of Democrats: a quick U.S. withdrawal from Iraq.

She also attacks Nader for "tossing" his principles by accepting support from conservatives and meeting with Kerry, using quotes out of context as support. There is no evidence of any unethical arrangements with Bush backers, whom Nader has publicly denounced. He engages people of all political backgrounds in criticism of Bush's policies – thus the Kerry meeting, Reform Party support, and "Republicans are people too" comment (25% of his support came from Republicans in 2000). I expected Ehrenreich to paint a fairer picture.

Mark Zipkin