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The Daily OrangeNader loses luster at colleges
By Brian Hecht
Posted: 9/20/04, 2:04 AM EST Section: News
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In 2000, younger voters were more likely to vote for Green Party candidate Ralph Nader than the general population, according to polls. It appears, however, that number may be lower this year after an election in which it is widely believed that Nader's votes cost former Vice President Al Gore an electoral victory in Florida.
"There is a tremendous effort by the Kerry campaign to convince people he is dangerous," said Jeffrey Stonecash, professor of political science in the Maxwell School of Public Affairs. "Younger voters tend to have far less information and may not see the effects of voting or not voting for Nader."
Feelings toward Nader on the SU campus seem mixed. Despite the fact that Nader is not favored to win, many of his supporters remain devoted.
"The most important thing is to send a message; the choices aren't good enough," said Jason Mintz, a student at the College of Law and campus coordinator for Nader's campaign.
Mintz said that there are a few dozen active Nader supporters on campus. They see healthcare, gay rights and environmental issues as among the most important issues Nader stands for. Nader has also said he would pull out of Iraq immediately if he were president, contrasting greatly with Bush and Kerry.
"The election between Kerry and Bush has gone in the wrong direction," Mintz said.
Some students feel comfortable voting for Nader in New York, where Kerry is likely to win by a large margin. The feeling of discontent toward the major parties can be very controversial. On the one hand, third-party supporters argue that every vote goes toward helping the cause.
"It says to the Democrats, 'we should do something to get the votes back,'" Mintz said.
But Stonecash warned that even with his sagging poll numbers, Nader could have an effect in a few swing states.
"This is not the right time to make a statement. The stakes are too high not to make every vote matter," said Morgan Ridler, a junior majoring in art history.
This contrasts drastically with other students who don't necessarily support Bush, Kerry or Nader but are voting to strengthen the third-party movement.
In the end it will be up to the Nader supporters to decide how they want to use their vote, whether they want to use their vote for the next president or as a tool to redefine American politics.
"I think we need a third party. He might not get elected, but it helps the cause without harming the country," said Connor Brazell, a student at Onondaga Community College. "If I lived in a different state I might be less likely to vote Nader, but I know Kerry will win here."
