Nader: You can do something right here in Ohio which I would recommend.
This is a swing state. They're going to be here five times probably-Obama and McCain. You get together the leading civic and labor union groups and veterans-get everyone involved, League of Women Voters, NAACP, trade unions--representing millions of people, and you invite the candidates in for a nationally televised debate, and on that date will be the five presidential candidates who have enough states to win the electoral college. If you do that, they're going to have to say, we may loose this election in Ohio--the whole thing. You know when the last time that happened? Four years ago.
(Laughter)
So you have far more power than Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, California and New York combined, cause they are all either Republican or Democrat. You get them here, and if they don't come, have the empty chairs and you have the other three debate. I don't think they are going to be able to say no.
I don't think they are going to be able to say no, because you're in the cockpit. You're in the captain's seat. I can say this till the moon dries up, and these groups will not do it. This is how totally disorganized we are as a citizenry. Is there anyone who can stop all these groups from getting together, from laying out the strategy, getting the letterhead, having a news conference, saying they represent millions of Ohioans here--many of them in severe stress: unemployment, recession, wounded veterans not being treated. I mean, try all those symbols and invite them.
Now I think what would happen is this: McCain will say yes, and if McCain says yes and you have all these groups saying we want both of you and the three others. Obama is going to be in a real tight spot, and my prediction is he would say yes. Once you got them on the stage, to hell with the debate commission. All the national media will be here. Are you going to make it happen?
You wanna make it happen?
(Applause!)
Thank you.
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