(Image Source: Public Broadcasting)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

Despite his progressive leanings, don’t expect Ralph Nader to win any popularity contests within the Democratic Party any time soon. Still blamed by many for ruining Al Gore’s chances in 2000, Nader could once again complicate an election year for Democrats in 2012: this time by rallying candidates to challenge President Obama for the Democratic nomination.

The Washington Times reported the story Monday morning, quoting from a Nader press release:

“Without debates by challengers inside the Democratic Party’s presidential primaries, the liberal/majoritarian agenda will be muted and ignored. The one-man Democratic primaries will be dull, repetitive, and draining of both voter enthusiasm and real bright lines between the two parties that excite voters.”

Nader has made his discontent with the president no secret in recent months. The three-time presidential candidate and Green Party favorite took to Freedom Watch on Fox Business Saturday to voice his beef with Mr. Obama... or as he calls him “Obama-Bush.”

JUDGE NAPOLITANO: “What kind of president has Barack Obama been? Domestic-wise and foreign policy-wise, is he what you had hoped for, Ralph?”
RALPH NADER: “Not at all. He’s been a Bush president for foreign and military policy. That’s why I call his administration Obama-Bush. In fact, he’s gone beyond Bush, like with the attack on Libya without even a congressional resolution or authorization for the money.”  

Nader hasn’t finalized any decision on his own potential candidacy. And, although he takes issue with Mr. Obama taking action in Libya and extending the Bush era tax cuts, the Chicago Tribune reports:

“... Nader insists the purpose of his latest electoral effort is not to deny Obama the Democratic nomination, or undermine his chances in the general election... ‘Just the opposite,’ Nader said... ‘If [Obama’s] smart, he’ll welcome it, because nothing’s worse than an incumbent president slipping in the polls, being constantly on the defensive...”

Nader made his effort to find liberal rivals for the president public this week through a harsh letter sent to more than 150 liberal activists and politicians. In his efforts, Nader has found a friend in Princeton professor and Obama critic Cornel West. So far, no comment from the White House on this one.