Here's one for the record books

    Veteran activist and politician Ralph Nader broke the Guinness World Record for the most speeches given in a day on Saturday, making a total of 21 stops all across Massachusetts and topping the previous mark of 15. Currently running as an Independent candidate for president, Nader pressed the importance of having a strong third party to rival the two mainstream ones. Additionally, he tried to make the presidential campaign experience more personal by speaking directly to small communities instead of at mass rallies or via television or radio. Although formerly respected for his activism, including advocacy for automobile safety, Nader now acts as a mere distraction in the crucial election that we face.
    Although mildly amusing, this stunt of Nader's is devoid of any larger meaning. As part of his motives, Nader explained that he wanted to win at least 5 percent of the vote nationally so he could participate in future presidential debates. Nader, still under fire for potentially handing the election to President George W. Bush in 2000, now seems utterly unconcerned about doing the same thing this cycle. Third-party candidates can have an important function in elections, but Nader's ranting is a distraction from the repressed economy, America's weakening reputation abroad and a host of other issues that should define the election.
    One could argue that Nader is doing a positive service to the country by promoting a third party and giving voters more options to choose from. As a democracy it's nice to think that we have more than two parties to consider. Additionally, third parties can often bring attention to issues that the Democrats and Republicans brush over or ignore. Nevertheless, Nader is hardly the ideal candidate for this job.
    In order for a third party to successfully break onto the scene, it would need an interesting candidate who brings new ideas to the table. Even Ron Paul would have made a better third-party candidate, as his libertarian ideals seem to have attracted a surprising number of new voters. Although Nader did touch on important issues that may have not been emphasized as much by other candidates, it is difficult to believe that this played a major role in his decision to go record hunting.
    Historically, third parties have never played a major role in American politics, and that's not likely to change anytime soon. If Nader had wanted to do something productive, he should have dropped out of the race and either endorsed one of the candidates or stayed quiet until after Election Day. Unfortunately, Nader didn't get the message after voters' anger in 2000. And while another upset spurred by a third-party candidate seems unlikely, with so much at stake, that's a hard message to ignore.