Let's think about Nader's situation:
Will his throwing the election to Bush in 2000 (OK- I know all the arguments otherwise) have been in vain?
Not if he mounts a campaign this time. Nader has no choice but to run. If he does not, he has no way to pull the Dems to the left, especially if Clark gets the nomination. He can make motions like he is running and in the fall do one of several things:
- Ask for a prime time speaking spot to endorse the Democratic nominee
- Demand platform planks in exchange for endorsement
- Run until October and endorse the Dems at the last minute- putting his organizations at their disposal
- Be an asshole and run like he did in 2000 and get Bush re-elected.
But he has to run.