Ralph Nader Press Conference

Ralph Nader, the Independent Party's nominee for president, at a press conference at the New Paltz Friends Meeting House on Thursday, October 16.  Photo courtesy of Doron Tyler Antrim.

Giving a press conference at the New Paltz Friends Meeting House on Thursday, October 16, Ralph Nader, the long-time consumer advocate and lawyer, and the Independent Party's nominee for President, blasted both the Democratic candidate, Senator Barack Obama, and the Republican candidate, Senator John McCain, calling both, "nothing but puppets of their corporate paymasters."

He argued that while Obama and McCain are emphasizing their differences and promising to bring change, they are the same type of candidate. 

This marks the fourth consecutive time Nader has sought the nation's highest office.  He reassured voters on Thursday that supporting the Independent ticket in November would not be a wasted vote.  The latest poll shows a 20 point lead for Senator Obama in New York.  Nader said, "That means the people of New York can vote their conscience.  They don't have to vote tactically."  

The Independent candidate called the passage of the $700 billion bailout a missed opportunity to rewrite the rules governing the financial industry.  He said the bill was rushed and that the American people weren't given time to suggest a different plan.

Nader proposed establishing a speculation tax that would tax stock transactions, like speculative derivatives.  He believes such a tax would reduce speculation and help stable the markets.  He said that trading in derivatives will reach $500 trillion this year, and with only a one tenth of one percent tax, the government could raise $500 billion.  This money he said could go to tax relief for middle-class families and such things as public works.   

He stated rhetorically, "If that was put up for referendum what percent of the American people do you think would favor that?"  He added that, "Congress turned their back on it.  They chickened out."  

Nader also talked about energy reform, a single-payer health care system, creation of a living wage, the war on drugs, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  

To learn more about Ralph Nader, his positions on the issues, or to contribute to his campaign, visit votenader.org.