Ralph Nader is no longer on the Green Party ticket, but theDemocratic National Committee is still green with envy for whatthey see as Nader's role in helping George W. Bush win in 2000.
Even before Nader announced his bid for the presidency Sunday,pundits in Washington had been debating how he might affectdemocratic candidates.
Like many in Washington, University of Memphis students don'tthink Nader will be much of a factor in this year's race.
"I don't think he has much of a chance," said Nick Catlin whovoted for Nader in 2000.
Other students who historically supported Nader aren't surethey'll support him this time around.
"I supported Nader (in 2000)," said sophomore Emily Downing,"(but) I will vote for Kerry" because Nader tipped the balance inthe 2000 elections.
Backed by the Green Party four years ago, Nader won less than 3percent of the vote. But some democrats say the votes he won inFlorida and New Hampshire would have won Al Gore those states andultimately the presidency.
Some question whether the 3 percent of voters Nader won in 2000were really subtracted from the democratic nominee or were simplynew voters who would have otherwise stayed home.
"Democrats should reach out to constituents who voted for Nader(in 2000)," said Dennis Laumann, assistant professor ofhistory.
On Monday, John Edwards told Fox News that voters who supportedNader in 2000 would find his message appealing, adding "(Nader's)life is spent fighting for consumer issues and for the little guy.I've spent a good deal of my life doing the same thing."
John Kerry, also alluding to the independent candidate, said"I'm going to appeal to everyone in this race and will make it, inthe end, unnecessary for an alternative."
Democratic Committee Chair Terry McAuliffe, personally urgedNader not to run, and later called the decision "unfortunate."
But here on campus, the president of the Tiger Democrats, JasonHillner, said his organization welcomes all new voices to thedemocratic process but added that he thinks this year Nader'sability has dramatically decreased.
"Democrats and independents have a common goal of getting Bushout of the White House," said Hillner. "I think Nader voters seethat it is in their best interest to vote for our country ratherthan for protest."
Other students back Nader, and although they concede that he mayhave played a negative role in the 2000 election, they still thinkhe's the best man for the job.
"The other (candidates) try to please everybody. Nader is morevocal against special interests," said sophomore social work majorKelly Jackson. "It's good that he decided to run again. I will votefor Nader."
Others are not so sure. "The election is really important, and Ithink I will vote for whoever has the best chance of winning,"graduate student William Bryan said.
