DEMS: 98-POUND WEAKLINGS?

Endicott, NY

In Eric Alterman's August 2/9 "The Liberal Media" column, in which he brilliantly describes how we were led to war under false pretexts, one larger issue is glossed over. He mentions that the Republicans, despite their impeachable acts, may win in November "with the help of Republican stooge Ralph Nader and his misguided supporters." I do not defend Nader. But Nader and his supporters are what you get when you have a weak and centrist Democratic Party that is constantly outwitted by or appeasing the radical right. Had things been reversed, do you think the right would sit back and say, "Let's wait for the election and get rid of the lying President"? Hell no! Even if they didn't have enough time for an impeachment process, they'd start it. They'd be spitting and fighting their way all over Washington. They'd be attacking on multiple fronts. They'd even (gasp!) cheat and lie to win, because they believe their cause is just. Democrats' perceived inaction and lack of ferocity in calling Bush what he is makes them seem like losers.

Subscriber Login

User Name

Password

Subscribe Now!

The only way to read this article and the full contents of each week's issue of The Nation online is by subscribing to the magazine. Subscribe now and read this article -- and every article published since for the past five years -- right now.

There's no obligation -- try The Nation for four weeks free.

• Get The Nation at home (and online!) for 75 cents a week!
• If you like this article, consider making a donation to The Nation.