Nader supporters answer Karl Rove’s prayers

AP political reporter Will Lester uncovered today what is easily the worst election news Carpetbagger can contemplate: The Nader 2004 Draft Committee has opened offices in New York and San Francisco with plans under way for offices in Washington, New Hampshire and Iowa.

Beating Bush will be a daunting challenge in 2004, despite his fiscal mismanagement, bungled foreign policy, and series of broken promises. He will have $200 million to use to scam the populace into believing that he’s an honest president who has cut taxes, restored “honor and dignity” to the White House, and strengthened America’s hand around the world. (Don’t think it can be done? Two years ago, Bush convinced 48% of the voting population that he was a “compassionate conservative” and a “reformer with results” who would “change the tone” in Washington.)

The Democratic candidate, whoever he or she is, will have to catch every break to pull this one out. With Nader, who still apparently believes there’s no significant difference between Democrats and Republicans, splitting the vote among those who would replace Bush, a difficult task becomes nearly impossible. Bush would almost certainly cruise to a second term.

The article did contain a glimmer of hope: Nader hasn’t formally decided whether to run in ’04 and is not involved with the draft committee’s work.