Nader ditches the Greens. They're disorganized and too white and middle-class, and he realizes the environmental focus of the party won't help him cross the race and class lines he needs to if he's going to win.
He forms a new national party -- I like the name "Working Families Party," but maybe it has too much baggage after New York experience.
He persuades Jesse Jackson, Jr., to join his ticket as Vice President. The defection of a real, elected progressive from the Democrats would garner this 2004 candidacy some attention. Jackson's connection to civil rights history would also help break the race barrier, and show this ticket is serious about building a multi-racial base.
Nader and Jackson campaign for the next four years, speaking at union halls, community centers, and town meetings. They build a sense of movement and excitement among progressive constituencies and also independents.
This is complemented by a real, organized field staff that fans out across the nation. Many are the youths who were so enthusiastic about Nader in 2000.
During these four years, they also realize they need to run candidates at all levels of office. The campaign identifies 20 House or Senate races where their new party can run races with a reasonable chance of winning, and they recruit good candidates to run. Having just a few friends in Congress -- especially with the near-even Republican/Democrat split -- can make a big difference. They also recruit people to run for state legislatures, city councils, and school boards. It's a top-to-bottom electoral strategy.
The campaign shoots not just for a few percentage points, but for victory. A 5% showing for the federal matching funds is assured. A 20% outcome is realistic. And winning the plurality of a 3-way race is a distinct possibility.
Run, Ralph and Jesse, run!
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