Rubin to End His Hunger Strike Today

Citing his health, Southern California peace activist Jerry Rubin said he would end his hunger strike protesting Ralph Nader’s presidential bid today.

“I still hold out a glimmer of hope that Mr. Nader will realize he’s weakened the anti-Bush movement and will drop out of the race,” Rubin said Friday.

Some political observers view Nader as a “spoiler” who took votes from Al Gore in his narrow loss to President Bush in the 2000 presidential race.

“I think it would be the worst news to Bush’s ears if Nader dropped out,” even at this late stage, Rubin said.

The 60-year-old Santa Monica resident said his repeated requests for a meeting with Nader had been rebuffed by the independent candidate’s campaign staff.

Rubin began fasting Oct. 2 on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, consuming juice, tea and vegetable broth for 10 days before switching to only water.

“I went to my doctor [Thursday] and he said I had to come off this fast,” he said, describing his physical condition as “weak.” He lost 25 pounds in the last four weeks.

Rubin is a veteran hunger striker and activist for peace, environmental and anti-nuclear causes. He is sometimes confused with the Jerry Rubin of Chicago Seven fame, a fellow Westside resident and friend of his who died 10 years ago.

What is the first food he will eat? “Oh, I can think of so many,” he said. “An apple, a sandwich, pasta. Even meatloaf sounds really good.”