Don't political campaigns take the oddest turns sometimes?
Well, Ralph Nader entering the race as a Green or an Independent is not really a surprise. He runs every time and has the real possible distinction of becoming the "Harold Stassen" of 21st Century politics!
For our younger readers, Stassen was the former Governor of Minnesota who ran for President almost every cycle. He never came close, but ran a record nine times! The only thing he really "won" was to become the "king of jokes" by late night comedians. Johnny Carson made millions off of Harold Stassen jokes! The governor, died in March 2001.
Of course Ralph Nader is not joking, and while it's highly unlikely he can win, he certainly could be a factor. If you took his votes in 2000 in Florida for example, and gave them to Al Gore, we would have had a different President. But those are the "what ifs" of American politics. We have to live with the "what happened."
I have always been a supporter of having a viable third party in this country. That's not to say I would vote for Nader, any more than I might have voted for Ross Perot. But I would really like a third choice. And, let them debate. In 1996, people such as Nader and Pat Buchanan were polling about 5%, but were kept out of the debates? Why? Why are we so afraid to hear a "3rd option" (or a 4th) in this country?
A democracy is nothing more than a market place of ideas! The people are entrusted to listen and make their choice. Why limit them?
The answer is collusion by the Democrats and Republicans to keep "outsiders" out! While the two parties don't like each other, they unite for self-preservation. That's why they control the debates and keep 3rd parties out, and that's why we have this silly notion of a "Super Delegate" in some parties, that aims to preserve the status quo, and possibly nullify voter's actual choices.
So bring it on Ralph Nader. I probably won't vote for you, but admire that you have the backbone and principle to get up on the stage!
Now to the Turban crisis! (PLEASE, New York Times, do NOT dub this "turban-gate!")Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) visited his father's native homeland of Kenya a few years back and at the request of local dignitaries wore the native garb. This is not unusual, some of our most famous politicians have done this over the years. (Some were dignified, some were fashion disasters!)
Various reports say the photo was "leaked" by Hillary Clinton staffers hoping to perpetuate the "Barack is a Muslim Myth" that has been all over the Internet. (You can research it and other urban legends at www.snopes.com).
Anyway, we will see if the photo and the backlash have any impact on the upcoming votes in Texas and Ohio where Obama and Sen. Clinton are very close in the polls. She is way ahead in Rhode Island, while he is way ahead in Vermont, the two other states which vote that day!
I will be in Dallas, Sunday through Wednesday covering the Texas primary and the others. My daughter, loyal assistant and future "Lois Lane" Allie Curtis will be out helping me cover the campaign.
Tune in often to www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com for the latest. I am sorry there was no article yesterday, but I returned to California with a horrible case of bronchitis from Wisconsin! I should have eaten more Bratwurst in Milwaukee, to boost my immune system!
Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.
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