What Was Ralph Nader Thinking?

by Jürgen Vsych

What was Ralph Nader thinking when he decided to run for president? This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0974987921
• ISBN13: 9780974987927
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Wroughten Books
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Jürgen Vsych's must read on Ralph Nader

It is difficult to imagine the vast organization and logistics that go into a presidential campaign, from fundraising, strategizing, the recruiting and coordination of tireless volunteers, to petitioning for signatures to get the candidate on the ballot in a system in which each and every state has different requirements. Then add to those challenges the name Ralph Nader and the vast sums of money the Democrats spent to block him from running in 2004, and the obstacles seem insurmountable. That is, if you don't believe passionately in that for which you are fighting. Jürgen Vsych is one of those fervent Raiders for the Nader cause, and as she told me in a recent interview, her involvement with his presidential bid began not in 2000 when it was sexy and exciting, but in 2004 when the going got rough. Her book chronicling that campaign, What Was Ralph Nader Thinking?, could easily have been titled What Was Jürgen Vsych Thinking? Long before the ending, the answer to both questions becomes more than obvious. While Ralph Nader's record as citizen advocate is uncontestable, once he got into politics he became a polarizing figure. Yet whether you're a Nader Raider or a Nader Hater, you'll appreciate the inside view into the inner workings of a presidential campaign and the passionate figures that work on behalf of We the People. Add to the mix the humor and creativity of Vsych and you're sure to be enlightened and entertained by this book. Maybe you'll even be inspired to participate in the next presidential campaign. You can read an extended review of this book at http://www.swans.com/library/art14/jeb196.html and an interview with its eclectic author at http://www.swans.com/library/art14/jeb195.html. Meantime, buy the book!

Separating myth from reality

WHAT WAS RALPH NADER THINKING ?, is a real life account of working for, and with, thee icon of the American Citizen, Ralph Nader. And in attempts to have his name placed on State ballots in his run for President. The trials and tribulations, and there are many accounted for within, along with insults to injury from citizens(?) claiming to believe in democracy. If only they really did. Think Pennsylvania. People may think they believe in free elections but they really don't. Here in this on-scene account by Author Jurgen Vsych, and I must add, a witty account, I had the feeling of being punched in the stomach while I was laughing out loud. A strange combination of emotions are here for the reader if you're a believer in the notion that you can vote for anyone you choose, and that any U.S. Born citizen can run for President. Remember what you were taught in school while growing up? Be prepared to suspend those beliefs, so you can separate myth from reality. Sebastian McGarigle

At least Ralph was thinking

This is a great quick read not only about volunteering for a candidate in a democracy that doesn't get democracy, but also has great insight into Ralph the superhero and what drives him and his supporters.

Funny, Inside Story of Helping Ralph Nader Run for President

The crazy energy of bright idealists with unusual talents (like the author who makes films and plays the bagpipes professionally) feeds into and shapes Ralph Nader Presidential campaigns. "What was Ralph Nader Thinking?," by Jurgen Vsych is a semi-autobiographical romp, which gives us a very funny and thoughtful inside look at Nader's 2004 Presidential race. It tracks this volunteer's frantic efforts to help, to learn about Ralph Nader the man behind the historic figure and to meet the people across the country that support his efforts and his progressive message. If you never had a chance to literally run behind Ralph Nader as he tears across the country in a Presidential race, this book will be your vicarious magical mystery tour. Vsych proves that practicing democracy the Ralph Nader way can be fun!