Washington - The Green Party presidential candidate Mr Ralph Nader focused on his core campaign themes at the weekend in a speech that was a plea for votes and a demand that supporters extend their political vision far beyond today.
Appearing at an exuberant rally of 7,500 supporters at the MCI Center, a short walk from the White House, he also urged his backers to reject major party candidates even in local races if more progressive contenders were on the ballot. Votes for such candidates would "push this agenda, push this corporatised government of ours, in the right direction."
Those attending paid $10 each to get in, the last of 10 such events that have added hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Green Party's coffers. Mr Nader argued that the reforms he seeks - primarily limiting corporate power - would allow more start-up to flourish without being trampled by wealthy conglomerates.