"His (Nader's) daughter became a very successful academic, and this I think is no coincidence."

Ralph Nader has a love child?

Richard pointed out what I would have--there are no leftists in government. There are a handful (and I do mean on two hands, max) of House reps who are left of center, but as Richard points out, they aren't running the government (the executive branch does that, remember?)

"Finally, GUEST, Nader has "accomplished more genuine change for the better than all the politicians presently serving in our nation's capital combined." Come on! Some of these people worked on Civil Rights, on Medicare, on social programs of all kinds, created the endowments for the Arts and Humanities, etc, etc."

You know Nerd, it is becoming increasingly apparent that you don't know much about government, politics, current events, or recent history.

No one on the list of people you mention--not one of those politicians--has been involved in anything that rises to the level of change that has been brought about through the efforts of Ralph Nader. Not one.

It is the Members of Congress duty to work on Medicare, social programs, create endowments, etc. as that is their business.

It is another thing entirely to work outside the system to change the system, which is what Ralph Nader did. And THAT is why Nader rises so much higher than the rest. He brought about authentic, meaningful, important changes and none of the people you mention has been able to do that.

If you want change in Washington, elect someone who knows how to bring it on, not someone who makes you feel better because they redecorate the West Wing in a way that suits you better than the former tenant's taste in decor.