Nader, Buchanan Would Broaden Debates, Hoffa Says

WASHINGTON — After meeting with Green Party candidate Ralph Nader, Teamsters President James P. Hoffa said Thursday that neither Al Gore nor George W. Bush has taken strong enough stands on trade and other issues important to labor.

For that reason, the union president said Nader and Reform Party candidate Patrick J. Buchanan should be allowed to participate in presidential debates.

“Who really wants to see a debate between Al Gore and Bush? I mean they’re somewhat the same on trade, the same mindless debate on Social Security goes on and on,” Hoffa said. “We want to broaden the debate.”

Hoffa spoke at a news conference with Nader after the Green Party candidate met with the Teamster’s executive board, which decides the union’s political endorsements.