According to this Atlanta Constitution-Journal news story about Cynthia McKinney’s decision not to seek the Green Party’s presidential nomination, McKinney may have been unhappy that she would have been forced to run in the California Green presidential primary against about eight other individuals also seeking that nomination.
This seems extremely unfortunate to me. I suspect this may indicate that the GP has past the use by date? Or, it indicates the need for a massive overhaul of the GP’s national staff, who been through two presidential elections, neither of which have managed to sustain the growth of the party, nor gain it more popular legitimacy. This whole thing may indicate that the GP needs to focus on being part of building a new, broader progressive party, and not see itself as the be-all and end-all of indie prog politics in this country?
I really can not see Mr. Nader as the GP nominee pulling anywhere near 5% of the national vote, and I am someone who campaigned and voted for Mr. Nader repeatedly. In this anti-war climate I could see him gaining a million votes, but not 5+ million?
It is unfortunate that Ms. McKinney did not approach a presidential run as an independent. had she done so, there would have a chance to build a broader-based independent progressive political party. I guess it is not out of the question that McKinney could still run as an independent, but it would seem a very hard task at this point.
I do not see the Democrats letting her retake her previous congressional seat. I suspect if she tries to the Israel lobby and the national Democratic Party leadership will see to her defeat.
I’m not sure there is an up side to Ms. McKinney remaining in politics as a Democrat?
Perhaps this is all too pessimistic, and there is a glorious day ahead? Hmmm…
If McKinney is afraid of competition than she made the right decision. I only hope Ralph Nader decidees to seek the nomination and grow the Green PArty once more like he did in 2000. He is the best chance this 2008 election in getting the most votes for the Greens. http://www.draftnader.org
Deran could not be more wrong. The whole point of holding primary elections is for the voters to have a say in the nominating process. It is extremely undemocratic for a person to take a position against competition.
Furthermore, as I wrote in a previous message, we all pretty much knew that Cynthia McKinney was not going to run anyway. Now she is officially in the club that Senator Hagel and Mayor Bloomberg belong to.
Plebicite Phil seems to [again] have a complicated situation pared down to its most basic elements….
Thank you, again, my good friend, Don Lake!