Nader slams opposition in Florida speech

South Florida
The Oracle

(U-WIRE) TAMPA, Fla. — Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader bashed his opponents Thursday, showing his disgust about the national debates and saying the youth of America is being "raised by corporations."

More than 1,000 supporters turned out to listen to Nader during a rally at the Bayfront Center's Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

During his one hour and 30 minute speech, Nader spoke against his political counterparts more than he endorsed his own platforms. He called Democratic candidate Al Gore a "certified political coward" and a "techno-twit" and said he wasn't fit to be president. Republican candidate George W. Bush was also given a harsh label. "He is really a big corporation running for president, disguised as a human being," Nader said.

Nader's ill sentiments toward the two major-party candidates were reflected by the crowd, which waved signs in the air reading "Too big for two parties" and "Bush and Gore make me wanna 'Ralph.'" Even as a member of the audience, Nader was denied entry to the first debate in Boston, despite having a ticket. He said he will file a lawsuit in federal district court and encouraged the audience to sign a petition to help enable him to get into the final debate, which takes place Tuesday.

"They excluded the wrong guy this time," he said. Nader said the previous debates didn't generate any new ideas. He described the match-up between Bush and Gore as "the drab debating the dreary."

Nader criticized Gore for describing the economy as "booming," when he said that it's anything but.

"They are using corporate yardsticks, not people yardsticks (to measure the economy)," he said.

Dana Crafa, a freshman at New College in Sarasota, said she could identify with Nader. "I agree with his political views," she said.

Crafa was just one of many college-age people in attendance. Dan Phelps, a creative writing major at Eckerd College, also supported Nader. "I like his policies on the drug war and the environment," he said.

Gayle Skowronski, a tax collector from Palm Harbor, said despite Nader's comments, she is leaning toward Gore. "Gore has a better command of issues, both international and domestic," she said.

Nader attacked Bush on a different issue: education. "His motto is 'leave no child behind,' when that's about all he's done in Texas," he said. Nader said Bush should change his slogan to "leave no corporate dollars behind."

Nader's speech was preceded by a political comedy act performed by the Great Art Society of St. Petersburg and a speech from University of South Florida Green Party Chairman Kat Templin.

Templin said both candidates focus too much on issues that concern seniors and said a vote for Nader was the way to go. "The other candidates are just evil," she said.

A Native American group, in the balcony, pounded drums and waved feathers with each major point Nader emphasized.