Ralph Goes Rogue: Nader Gives Sarah Palin Props For Populist Speech

by James Crugnale | 6:11 pm, September 19th, 2011

» 24 comments

In an interview with Salon, Ralph Nader praised Sarah Palin‘s iconoclastic Labor Day speech in which she railed against the “permanent political class” that was cut off from the concerns of regular people. “I think she’s a lot smarter than most people credit her,” said Nader. “Judging by her comments, she is squarely in the camp of conservative populism, opposed to corporatism and its corporate state.”

“When she was governor of Alaska she really did take on the oil industry, and [she also] approved a statewide referendum that resulted in the first state in the Union to regulate cruise lines and their pollution offshore,” he says. “So there is a precursor to these remarks.”

“It’s endlessly elaborative. She could elaborate it with all kinds of newsworthy examples — abuses, prosecutions, convictions,” he says.

That will apply especially if she jumps into the current “corporatist” GOP presidential field, Nader says. “She’ll really draw a line between herself and the others, who will never encroach on this.”

Nader’s surprising compliments to Palin are sure to enflame old wounds from Democrats who remain bitter over the consumer advocate’s quixotic runs for the presidency.

The conservative blogosphere largely saw Nader’s positive comments as being late to the party on Palin’s outsider ideology.

Hot Air‘s Ed Morrissey thought Nader’s view, coupled with a recent New York Times article , reflected a laziness on the part of many to realize Palin’s anti-establishment credentials. “I suspect that the newfound respect from Nader and Salon doesn’t have much to do with surprise as it does with trying to take a few indirect shots at the Republicans running for President,” wrote Morrissey. “If Palin does toss her hat in the ring, don’t expect this late media infatuation with Palin as a smart crusader to last very long.” Ace of Spades said, “I’m not buying the claim put forth by Palin-supporters that good reviews from the NYT and Ralph Nader are suddenly good reasons to support someone.”

(h/t Salon)

populism, Ralph Nader, Salon, Sarah Palin

Anonymous

,.. awesomee ..
I just got a $827.89 iPad2 for only $103.37 and my mom got a $1499.99 HTV for only $251.92, they are both coming tomorrow. I would be an idiot to ever pay full retail prîces at places like Walmart or Bestbuy. I sold a 37″ HTV to my boss for $600 that I only paid $78.24 for.
I use http://alturl.com/fssct
Anonymous

That was a magnificent speech of Palin’s , very inspiring .

Hey Ralph . My Corvair rolled over !
Mamma Grizzly

Palin/Perry 2012!!! You heard it here first.
Bob

And Ralph jumps the shark.
Because her oil-company approved mantra of “Drill, baby, drill” was soooo anti-corporate and populist.
Anonymous

Sad that people believe the media’s fake narrative on Ms. Palin’s governorship when anyone who looks at the record, such as Nader, sees a politician who clearly is against the ‘business as usual’ political world and has the achievement to prove it. While her speech itself was ignored, her concept and arguments have clearly struck a strong chord of truth and are being carried on by many.

Nader did cause Gore to lose his election bid in 2000 AND Nader has done some wonderful achievements for consumer issues. Reminds me of Ron Paul. I may not agree with him, but appreciate his service to the public good
Anonymous

Gracious, gifted Gov. Sarah Palin is bold, brilliant beautiful, educated on economic policy, expert on energy policy, poised & prepared for the Presidency. She will restore American pride, prestige, prosperity, and unparalleled power on the planet. Palin/2012!
Just some Blow Hard…

Wasn’t I making these points over a week ago???
david r

Sounds like Nader has looked into it a bit more than you.
david r

Remember those damned things? My buddy had one. We lost a drag race to a VW Beetle, who did not realize we were racing at first, then smoked us. At freeway speed the front end bounced up and down.
Anonymous

Wow, it sounds like Sarah is a secret Progressive. So behind that crazy Mama Grizzly rhetoric she might have some common sense after all, but I seriously doubt it.
Mandingo ate your baby

Sounds like senility is setting in for old Ralphy, too bad, he got seat belts put in cars.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bill-Carpenter-Sr/1083977378 Bill Carpenter Sr.

That’s because you haven’t done your research. If you are a fair minded person you will do exactly that.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bill-Carpenter-Sr/1083977378 Bill Carpenter Sr.

Sounds like liberalism ( spend other people’s money ) has set in on Mandingo.
Padron64

she’s going down in flames

she won’t run…because she knows it’s safer and more profitable not to.

carry on
Padron64

actually the timing of mcginnis book couldn’t be more perfect for palin.just watch her use the “personal attacks” by mcginnis and the media as an excuse not to run in 2012.she’ll claim it’s a “distraction to the process” and “best for her family”.then she’ll play the “victim” and “fighting for the little guy” card.all the way to the bank…carry on
http://twitter.com/Staciisa_bitch Staci Chase

All Sarah is after is attention and I sensed this right after I met her.
Ontop

Not a Secret Progressive but one who truly believes in a level playing field for all. Big corporations do not get a bye. Level for all who want to go forward – what a concept! I am not a Ralph fan but he is right – she is smarter than what she has been portrayed and she will take on the power people.
Ontop

I agree – she is smart and knows how to turn lemons into lemonade,
Laurie

Wanna put some money on that??
TruDat

Like the attention you’re seeking by name dropping?
Anonymous

Ralph Nader when from being a valiant crusader against the abuses of the auto industry to a self serving, self promoting egotist a long time ago.. Perhaps that is why he can relate to the Wasilla Wonder! As my old teacher used to say, “Empty barrels make the most noise!”
Broadhorizons

I’m sorry but I just can’t trust a man who looks in two different directions.
Padron64

how about cigars and mojitos on a cuban beach?
Anonymous

Paul Ryan and
Mitch McConnell keep saying how taxing the Rich will cause a downturn in the
Economy, Whose Economy? Do they mean the
United State’s Economy or China’s Economy?
We don’t give a hoot about China’s Economy. We just keep watching more
homeless and jobless showing up in America and non-Republican Voters in America
have had about enough over the past 30 years from the double standards of
Billionaires, the Rich and Politicians.

. Mitch McConnell
says; “We’re not opposed to more revenue.” Bud “the way you get more revenues
is to get the economy going.” Industry
creates jobs, which is why we allow them to get rich, but they never seem to be
satisfied. Government is not allowed to become a business. Maybe we should
change that.

He needs to look
in the mirror and say that. The American Government doesn’t make jobs, China’s
Communist Government Creates Jobs and own business like American Industry does.

The Freedom
Loving American People maybe should have a Government who is allowed to own
business and create jobs. Many of our lives could depend on it. This may be a
good new Constitutional Amendment. The Tea Party loves Constitutional
Amendments. It would get Our Economy Moving forward and even the homeless could
get a job which pays a living wage with money left over at the end of the month
to enjoy some of the relaxing entertainment and fun the Rich enjoy. Maybe they
could eat more expensive food like Salmon, Halibut and other low carbohydrates
which are less fattening and the ghettos’ people would not be obese anymore
putting large burdens on Medicare and Social Security.

I guess most
people start thinking this way after Industry kicks them around for 30 or 40
years with double standards. Even the Billionaires and the rich need to
understand, “Good things don’t last forever.” And everyone should know his
limits. Do you hear me Republicans and Billionaires? Be satisfied and know when you are well off.
Ignorance is bliss and bliss is happiness, but still doesn’t last forever