Opinion
Nader: Not all pols are talkers
By: Jeff Dufour
Editor at Large/Columnist, "Yeas & Nays"
11/05/08 12:05 AM EST
Condensed conversationRalph Nader took sound bite journalism, or as he likes to call it, "sound bark" journalism, to a new extreme on Election Day when during a press conference, he reserved the right to answer every question with a single word.
Certainly the first of its kind at the National Press Club, Nader's staff said the purpose of this format was to defer to the "trivialized" type of journalism that dominates presidential politics – or as Nader put it (in just one word, of course): "satire."
Try though we might, Nader stuck with his one word policy when Yeas & Nays approached him with some specific questions.
What do you think about Barack Obama? “Clever.”
What was the best thing about him? “Knowledge.”
Worst thing? “Gutless.”
Worst thing about McCain? “Clone.”
What does he think about Sarah Palin? “Developing.”
What should President Bush do on his last day in office? “Surrender.”
Does he support the $700 billion bail out bill? “Never.”
How are things in Iraq? “Worsening.” Afghanistan? “Quagmire.”
Does Obama represent change? “No.”
What of Obama’s foreign policy ideas? “Disappointing.” His tax plan? “Impossible.”
Will Obama win? “Landslide.”
Do you enjoy running for president? “Yes.”
What’s the worst part about it? “Motels.”
What word sums you up? “Justice.”
How will you be remembered? “Democracy.”
