Ralph Nader

* Ralph Nader, the Mr. Clean I used to know, has become a pit bull as the Green Party’s presidential candidate. The consumers’ advocate who fought the powerful establishment has lost my respect because he has turned into a political animal. His chance of becoming the president of the U.S. is as good as the theoretical snowball in hell, but he acts like a real contender and viciously bad-mouths both of the candidates, one of whom will become the president.

So near to election day, instead of backing the lesser of two evils, he will draw away votes. This may be good for his ego but will ruin his nice-guy reputation. From now on I will think of him as only another politician.

M.H. SCHNEIDER

Camarillo

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The more we see of Al Gore and George W. Bush, the better Nader looks. But the idea of his running for president, at the risk of taking votes from Gore and having Bush as president, seems to me too big a risk to take. The most appealing idea to me is that a Nader presidential race can start a third party. But why not start this after the election and prevent Gore from losing votes to him? If, instead of a presidency, Nader would think of running one rally per month over the next four years, each rally in a different state, the audience he--and his interests--would reach would be a good basis for a new party, perhaps even better than he will draw as a presidential candidate.

EDWARD HANDMAN

Laguna Hills

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Although far from being a reliable poll of likely voters, judging by the lack of Gore or Bush bumper stickers, it appears the only candidate who truly has the faith of his supporters is Nader.

SCOTT COUGHENOUR

Chino Hills