Although presidential candidates Al Gore and Ralph Nader both lean to the left, the ethics of their politics were up for debate Wednesday night. Campus activists sponsored "Gore vs. Nader - The Progressive Dilemma" to consider the implications of voting for the Green party candidate in this year's tight presidential race.
The discussion forum drew nearly 80 students and featured panelists Pat Keaney, a Massachusetts Nader campaign manager, Tufts sociology professor Paul Lopes, journalist Suzanne Gorden, and student activist junior Doug Hansen.
During the panel discussion, local community members and students expressed their dissatisfaction with the dual-party control of US politics. "[I'm] dissatisfied with the gradual shift of the Democratic party to the middle and would like to see this election send a message to both candidates," said junior Vanessa Dillen, explaining why she came to the forum.
The Green party often criticizes the corporate-friendly politics of presidential candidates Vice President Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush. Both candidates receive large campaign contributions from major US corporations.
Panelist Pat Keaney referred to Bush and Gore as "corporate candidates" whose allegiances lie with business interests and ignore underrepresented communities. Keaney emphasized the importance of the election globally, citing the immense impact that US policy has on foreign economies.
Lopes had a "passive progressive" perspective when responding to Keaney's call for voter interest in human rights issues. According to Lopes, mainstream politicians set the standards for "legitimacy," which the media follows. Nader, Lopes argued, lies outside of these restrictive legitimacy quotas, and is accordingly silenced in journalistic arenas.
"Preventing Nader from being part of the debates only solidifies their stigmatization of third party candidates," Lopes said.
Gorden attacked media that profile Nader as extreme and illegitimate, describing them as "insecure" outlets that "pussy-[foot] around." He pointed to The Boston Globe's coverage of a recent Green party rally at the Fleet Center, which drew thousands of supporters, as an example of scared journalistic tactics.
"They didn't even quote Ralph or a single person that spoke or attended the event," he said. Gordon also noted that few national newspapers even cover Nader's platform, and instead refer to him as a radical, "spoiler" candidate.
Nader's potential threat to Gore's campaign surfaced as a common anxiety among students, particularly those from swing, or undecided, states. Junior Doug Hansen argued that the Democratic party was "playing off of fears to scare people into voting for Gore."
Some audience members refuted the notion that Gore is the lesser of two evils. Progressive voters often view Gore support as a compromise that voters make to keep Bush out of office. "Gore is the evil of two lessers," Hansen said, adding that students should not be deterred from making an ideological vote. "We are young, we are supposed to be idealists," He pleaded.
Audience members stressed their fear of Bush's ability to jeopardize reproductive and gay rights, if elected. Three Supreme Court justices could retire within the next presidential term, and Bush has promised to fill the spaces with pro-life conservatives. It is a threat that rests heavy in the minds of many voters. Panel members also made reference to gay rights which are in an equally vulnerable position, as gay marriage and hate-crime legislation remain uncertain in many states.
Panelists seemed skeptical that Bush would be capable of overturning Roe v. Wade, despite the upcoming Supreme Court appointments. "There is never a good time for change. Stakes are always high, and they will always tell you to wait until the next election. This is the next election," Gorden said.
Keaney agreed and encouraged students to compare short-term concerns with the benefits of long-term movement building. "The two parties will always play on fear. You lose a lot of control over your life if you let fear dictate one to the most important decisions we face," Keaney said.
Event organizer sophomore Jesse Alderman noted that strategic voting is a comfortable alternative for some voters. Residents from swing states may vote for Gore to prevent Bush from winning. Voters from decided states, like Massachusetts, can easily support Nader because he poses no threat to Gore's statewide victory. "I can't compromise myself, I have to vote my conscious. But I have no problem with strategic voting," Alderman said.
Alderman conducted a panelist question and answer period intended to dispel confusion surrounding Green party platforms. Panelists articulated Nader's policies on many issues, including labor rights, healthcare, and campaign finance reform. Nader is a longtime advocate of universal healthcare and raising the minimum wage.
Junior Sarah Marcus noted that mainstream media seldom covers Green party ideology and policy, often leaving voters uninformed. After the forum, she felt confident about her Nader vote. "I feel safe and good about voting for Nader in Massachusetts," she said.
