Occasional morsels from Campaign 2000

It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader announced his entry into the presidential race Monday, bidding for the Green Party nomination.

A lawyer who first gained prominence taking on the auto industry in the 1960s, Nader acknowledged his run for the presidency will be an “uphill one.” He’s shooting for 5% of the vote and hopes to get on the ballots of at least 45 states.

Nader received less than 1% of the vote in 1996. He spent close to $5,000, personally financing his campaign. During a brief campaign in 1992, he collected about 6,300 write-in votes in the New Hampshire primary, sometimes drawing crowds that rivaled those of major-party candidates.

Nader, who turns 66 this month, faces competition for the Green Party nomination from three other candidates, including Jello Biafra, the former lead singer for the Dead Kennedys.

Oh, That John

George W. Bush and John McCain on the same ticket?

It seemed a distant possibility for a moment Monday when Bush answered a reporter’s question about whether his rival for the GOP presidential nomination would make a good running mate.

Bush thought he was asked about another John--his supporter, Michigan Gov. John Engler.

“I’ve always said, ‘Should the person be president, do we share the same philosophy and does he like me?’ And I think the man fills those three categories, but nevertheless, I haven’t put lists together,” Bush said.

When pressed on whether he thought McCain fit the third category--of liking him--press secretary Karen Hughes stepped in to correct Bush’s misinterpretation of the question.

“Oh, you said John McCain, or John Engler?” Bush asked, Engler standing at his side.

When told the question was about McCain, he said, “Oh, let me start over.”

Party Animal

Had C-SPAN included “social life” in its survey of America’s presidents, James Buchanan might not have ranked last. As the nation’s only bachelor president, Buchanan, a Democrat, was known to enjoy fine food, cigars and dancing. He packed his Cabinet with men of similar taste, and his vivacious niece, Harriet Lane, played the role of first lady.

Queen Victoria enjoyed Buchanan’s company so much she sent her son to visit the White House. This marked the first time British royalty had visited the United States. Legend has it the Prince of Wales brought so many guests with him, Buchanan slept in a hallway.

By the Numbers

4 minutes, 45 seconds--Average nightly news time devoted to the presidential campaign by NBC since Feb. 1, according to the Alliance for Better Campaigns.

4 minutes, 20 seconds--ABC

3 minutes, 21 seconds--CBS

Quote File

“I want you to go home and make sure your parents vote. Or if you’re 18, I want you to go. Or if you’re 16, try and sneak in.”

--John McCain, joking with students Monday at a Saginaw, Mich., high school

“McCale’s my man.”

--Lloyd Wenzell, a young Democrat and employee at a Saginaw McDonald’s

Compiled by Massie Ritsch from Times staff and wire reports