The Nader Factor: Don't Dismiss Him Just Yet
When Ralph Nader announced he was running for president (again), few gave it much thought.
The headlines from the most recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll focus on the two man-matchup (Obama 47, McCain 41) and the continued unease that some voters have with Obama as commander in chief. But a closer look at the data shows something unexpected.
When voters were given a choice among the four candidates who will be on most state ballots -- McCain, Obama, Libertarian Bob Barr and Nader, Obama's lead over McCain grew to 13 points (48-35), with Nader pulling 5 percent and Barr 2 percent. In short, almost all of Nader's support is coming out of McCain's hide, most from independents who lean to the Arizona senator in a two-person matchup.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
This makes a certain amount of sense. Democrats are still furious with Nader for his role in the 2000 election. He won enough votes in several states, most notably Florida, to deny the presidency to Al Gore. Democrats aren't about to let that happen again.
Support for third-party candidates is always hard to gauge. Many people who say they back one now may decide later that the election is too important to "throw away a vote" on someone they know won't win. McCain can get some of those voters back if he succeeds in making them nervous about an Obama presidency. But with an unusually large number of close swing states this year, even the loss of a few thousand votes to Nader and Barr could prove decisive.
-
Nasdaq Sinks 418 Points as Tech Chills: Stock Market TodayInvestors, traders and speculators are growing cooler to the AI revolution as winter approaches.
-
23 Last-Minute Gifts That Still Arrive Before ChristmasScrambling to cross those last few names off your list? Here are 23 last-minute gifts that you can still get in time for Christmas.
-
The Rule of Compounding: Why Time Is an Investor's Best FriendDescribed as both a "miracle" and a "wonder," compound interest is simply a function of time.
-
Kiplinger's 2020 Election ForecastPolitics For nearly a century, The Kiplinger Letter has forecasted the outcome of presidential elections to keep readers informed of what's coming and what it means for them. Here's our call for 2020.
-
How the GOP Tax Bill May Affect BusinessesBusiness Costs & Regulation Corporations would enjoy a lower flat tax rate while individual owners of pass-throughs would also see a lower rate, but with more complex terms.
-
The Long Slog in Congress After Comey
Politics Trump's firing of the FBI director ruffled congressional feathers, but not enough to spur an independent investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
-
Trump’s Tax Reform Plan Faces Tough ChallengesPolitics A one-page outline isn't enough to satisfy a Congress interested in the details — and protecting constituents.
-
Trump's Agenda and ChallengesPolitics What lies ahead for the President-Elect.
-
Clinton on Track to Win 2016 Presidential Election
Politics Trump can win the White House, but faces an uphill climb.
-
New Overtime Rules Will Hit Businesses This YearBusiness Costs & Regulation A change in salary threshold will make more workers eligible for extra pay.
-
Bumpy Road Ahead in 2016 Presidential Race
Politics Trump will get a bounce after the Republican convention, but Clinton is poised to regain ground.
