Unwinnable at any speed

Re “Spoiling for fight, Nader runs again,” Feb. 25

Ralph Nader has again put his vanity ahead of the interests of the American people. Having ensured the victory of George W. Bush in 2000, he bears some responsibility for an ill-advised war, casualties, huge military and reconstruction expenditures and a multiplying national debt. His action is designed to divert the Green Party vote, which otherwise would be cast for a Democrat. It is time for America to recognize the danger Nader presents. He should do the honorable thing -- withdraw.

Robert J. Ruben

Mission Viejo

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Re “Nader’s nadir,” editorial, Feb. 26

If The Times believes Nader’s message is commonplace, old and virtually irrelevant to most voters, why doesn’t it advocate public discourse on the views of several presidential candidates of other minor parties who are just as eccentric as Nader?

Nader has utterly no credibility. He inevitably declares his candidacy late. He probably won’t be on most state ballots.

His 2004 vote of 0.03% of the total was laughable. And he has yet to explain how he’d overthrow corporate America’s influence in politics, other than through his quadrennial whines.

Pat Murphy

Ketchum, Idaho