Green Party Nominates David Cobb for President

Strategic Insights -

The Green Party's national convention in Milwaukee concluded with a nomination of Texas attorney David Cobb as their presidential candidate. Cobb will not be the candidate that Ralph Nader was seeking, as he was four years ago. Despite not receiving the party's formal nomination, Nader was hoping for their endorsement. However, Cobb outpolled a no-endorsement alternative by about 100 votes and won a majority. This nomination pleases some supporters of Democrat John Kerry, who have been seeking a way to mitigate the impact of a potential Nader candidacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Green Party nominated Texas attorney David Cobb as their presidential candidate at their national convention in Milwaukee, despite Ralph Nader's initial hopes for their endorsement.
  • Cobb had campaigned on a "safe-state strategy," where the Greens would focus on states where either George Bush or John Kerry is expected to win easily, while encouraging progressive voters to vote for their conscience in battleground states.
  • Cobb acknowledged that John Kerry is for NAFTA and supports the corporate agenda, but stated that George W. Bush is even more dangerous.
  • The Green Party's nomination of Cobb has implications for Ralph Nader's candidacy, with some of Nader's supporters wavering in their support of the 2004 candidate.
  • Peter Camejo, Nader's 2004 running mate, disagrees with the idea that the Green Party's nomination of Cobb is a strategic win for Kerry.
  • The Green Party nominee, David Cobb, is focusing on accelerating the gains the party has made in local offices over the last decade, as a way to mend the fractures that appeared at the party's national convention.

Statistics:

  • The Green Party's national convention took several hours to choose their presidential candidate, with a first round of balloting failing to produce a majority nomination.
  • David Cobb outpolled a no-endorsement alternative by about 100 votes and won a majority of the nomination.
  • 10-15 states are reportedly where David Cobb has called for a vote for Kerry.
  • The Green Party has made gains in local offices over the last decade, with Cobb promising to focus on accelerating these gains.

Sources:

  • NPR News, "No Nader for Greens," July 25, 2004.
  • Chuck Quirmbach, Wisconsin Public Radio, "Green Party Chooses Cobb," July 26, 2004.
  • ABC News, "Green Party Nominates David Cobb," July 26, 2004.