Flipside, I think you underestimate Nader a bit, that or you're too jaded which is understandable. From what I know, if by some miracle, Nader was elected President tommorow, there would significant changes for the better, way beyond what the Democrats have on their agenda. The trouble is, the Left is pissed off because they think that Nader put Bush into the White House in 2000, despite the fact that Bush, well, stole the election. I don't think its a case of Logical Donkey, but more of a case of isolation which leads to conservativism. Becuase of their isolation from the realities of the world, most Americans (and Canadians, Western Europeans etc) think that things are fine as is, and require only minor adjustments here and there, which is why the vote for the conservative Democratic candidiate. Far too few people realize just hot corrupt and unjust the surrent system of American power is, because certain people are working very, very hard to keep it way.
Yeah, he has been in politics for a long time, but I don't think that an automatic disqualifier or even a detrement. He's well known, which is good, and his stance is pretty clear to everyone. Which, one could argue, is working to his disadvatange, since he can sit on the fence and cater to everyone, like Kerry. While he has lost popularity with the left, and seems likely to continue doing so, he has actually gained significant respect from the right. And by that, I don't mean what is these days being passed of a conservativism, I mean the real right; small government, non-interventionist foreign policy etc. I actually read an interview with Nader in...*drumroll*...The American Conservative, Pat Buchanan's magazine.
I dunno, maybe I just being idealistic, but it seems to me that Ralph is the best chance for some real change being implemented in America, though needless to say, its a hell of a longshot.
edit: oh and, he's of Arab decent, but I don't think he's particularly religious, so not much chance of catering to the Muslim crowd. And yes, I realize that I implied that most Muslim's are Arabs, but AFAIK in America that is the case.