Fuck Nader

Check out electoral-vote.com's latest analysis. Since it gets updated every time there's a new poll out, I just want to save a few observations for posterity (numbers all taken from July 30 Zogby poll).

Maine: Kerry 46%, Bush 45%, Nader 5%

Florida: Kerry 50%, Bush 47%, Nader 2%

Tennessee: Kerry 49%, Bush 48%, Nader 1%

Missouri: Kerry 49%, Bush 48%, Nader 1%

Wisconsin: Kerry 50%, Bush 48%, Nader 2%

New Mexico: Kerry 49%, Bush 48%, Nader 1%

Oregon: Kerry 50%, Bush 46%, Nader 2%

Nevada: Bush 46%, Kerry 45%, Nader 4%

I'll be perfectly honest; I have no idea where the poll showing Kerry ahead in Tennessee comes from, and I don't quite believe it. Anyway, take a good look at these numbers. Nader is the difference in crucial states like Florida between a clear lead for Kerry and a statistically insignificant lead. In Nevada, which would have given the election to Al Gore in 2000 had it gone the other way, Nader draws 4% in a race in which Bush's lead is 1%.

The Times has a good piece on efforts to peel away support for Nader. Apparently, Jimmy Carter gets through to the Naderites. Go figure. And no, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. Michael Moore and Bill Maher actually did get on their knees to beg Ralph to drop out.