4 stars out of 5
I was interested in viewing this documentary because I didn't know much about Ralph Nader. I just knew that he didn't much care for the main political parties and he probably played the spoiler in the 2000 election.
I came away with an increased appreciation for the man. He has been involved in a number of worthy endeavors, the more notable of which were getting seatbelts and airbags in cars. I was really impressed with his idealism. This is not a man who was going to sell out to the highest bidder. He was in his causes because he believed in them, and he inspired many like-minded individuals.
Granted, I don't agree with many of his ideals. I think some of them are inefficient and/or silly. But his dedication to his ideals was most impressive. This was probably the reason that he has never been elected to any office. Or vice versa: perhaps the reason he has been able to stay idealistic is because he has never been in an elected office.
This documentary also highlights the problems of the two-party system. Democrats and Republicans have such a stranglehold that it is impossible for third party candidates to make a difference. Even to the point that Nader was not allowed to attend a presidential debate as an audience member. There's obviously something wrong with the system.
Of course, Nader took a lot of heat in 2000 for tipping the election to Bush by stealing Gore votes in Florida. But there were many 3rd party candidates that got more votes than separated Bush from Gore. However, since Gore got the most, he got the blame. The documentary really highlighted some of the disdain that Democrats now hold for him because of that, whereas as many of them previously supported him strongly.
Overall, the documentary is very good - especially if you don't know much about the man. Highly recommended for all students of politics.
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