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The federal election laws influenced Nader in many ways. He was excluded form the national televised debates. A bi partisan committee plans these debates on elections. They set the criteria for inclusion. Many third party advocates argue that this committee is biased and doesn't give the third parties a chance. This was the case with Nader.
The committee says that a candidate with fewer than 15 % in a national pole doesn't have a substantial chance of winning, and therefore shouldn't be included in the debate. Jesse Ventura of the Independence party, and governor of Minnesota, made an interesting point on an episode of Hardball. He stated that although Nader doesn't have the 15 % necessary to be included in the debates he still holds between 5 and 6 % in many national poles. 5 and 6 % of the national electorate is a very large number its millions of people, whose voices and opinions aren't being heard because of the dominance of the 2 party system, and their view that 5 % is un substantial portion. So this leaves Nader to find other ways to let the American people know that he exists. He did a college tour, and had a network of support from many on campus groups. Including PIRG.
The Public interest research group, theyre on 1800 college campuses in 24 states. He also held major rallies in arenas such as The MCI center and Madison Square Garden. It is at events such as these that Nader takes advantage of his celebrity endorsements. They become part of the Attraction of the event. Celebrity endorsements include Susan Sarandon, Michael Moore, Eddie Vedder, Phil Donahue, and Cornell West.
Not only was Nader excluded form the debates but he was not aloud to even attend the debate. Representatives of the FEC threw him out of a satellite showing of the debate. Nader was there as a private citizen to watch the debate and then give an interview to Fox News. He was instead forced out and not aloud to view the debate. As a result Nader filed a lawsuit against the FEC and won. These laws also affect Nader financially.
When any candidate seeks office he is guaranteed federal matching funds. The allocation of these funds is decided through a series of laws. In order for a candidate to receive substantial amount of funds must receive 5 % of the popular vote in a national election. Since this was Nader's first real run for the presidency, he did not have these numbers, and therefore did not get the 30 million guaranteed to a candidate with this status. Nader did not meet the second of these criteria. And as a result was given $ 100, 000 in funds.
Just as a side note Bush and gore received funds ranging upwards of $ 40, 000, 000. With laws such as these it is nearly impossible for a third party candidate to have a chance. Federal matching funds are given out in the following way: If a candidate raises $ 5000 in 20 states, the federal government will match all of or below $ 250 contributions up to 40 million. This works out for the major parties but puts added strain on third parties. They have less money to work with, and laws such as these give the Major parties more of an advantage. SO how does this influence Nader's and his partys behavior.
First with such little money to work with, t-v campaigns are out of the question, while such laws as these allow the major parties much more spending leigh weigh. His party and his campaign are restrained and con not run an equal campaign. This practice is supported by the election laws, and closes the door to a third party. Since TV is not a government industry, instead a business it does not factor into the formation of the election laws. One who cant afford to advertise or sell him self on such a major media outlet, surly does not have the same chance as one who can. The 40 million given to gore and bush can simply be placed as their advertising budget.
While a candidate like Nader or Harry Browne have to carefully place their television adds, and use them only at key times in the race. And one must also note that one of Nader's campaign objectives was to remind the American public that the air waves, the television and radio stations are the property of the people, and are now controlled by big money and business. The only answer to the question about the candidates behavior based on the election laws is the following. It made him a harder worker, and to value his media coverage, they force the candidate to adopt a more unconventional approach to campaigning.
Using the television rarely and running a more personal campaign. The Electoral College did not figure into his campaign. Although I did not get this information in writing, I feel Nader didnt expect to win a single vote in the Electoral College. His campaign is based on social reform, and informing the people of wrong doings that exist. Bibliography:
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