Nader Urges Kerry to Pick Edwards for Vice President
Date: 25-Jun-04
Country: USA
Nader, running for president as an independent, sent a letter to Kerry urging him to select the North Carolina senator, who was Kerry's chief opponent in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Edwards won only one primary before bowing out, but won over many Democratic activists with his smooth speaking style and energetic campaigning.
Nader, a long-time consumer advocate and nemesis of corporate America, praised Edwards, a former trial lawyer who made a fortune suing big business, for his work on behalf of those wronged and defrauded by corporations.
Edwards' communication skills and media savvy would also be an asset to the Kerry campaign, Nader's letter said.
"(Edwards) has already gone through a primary campaign and has his rhythm and oratory all well honed," Nader said.
Nader, who was the Green Party presidential candidate four years ago, has resisted pleas from Democrats to withdraw from the race. Democrats fear a repeat of the 2000 campaign when many blamed Nader for taking enough votes away from their candidate Al Gore to allow George W. Bush to win Florida and therefore the election.
Nader has long criticized Kerry and the Democrats for adopting positions similar to those of Bush on many issues including the Iraq war, the economy and corporate influence in politics.
Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, met briefly with Edwards on Tuesday but did not say what they discussed. Kerry has said he plans to make his vice presidential choice known before the Democratic convention in Boston beginning July 26.
Nader picked his own running mate on Monday, selecting Peter Camejo, a Green Party activist from California.
