Nader Changes Possibilities, Odds of Presidential Race

Nader's declaration will probably cause an adjustment, bringing Obama and McCain closer to even with each other, and putting Clinton as a slightly longer shot than before.

Ralph Nader announced this morning he would again be a candidate for the Presidency, possibly altering the odds as to which nominee might capture the White House. Many Democrats think Nader played a significant role in George Bush's 2000 victory by siphoning votes away from Al Gore.

Online casinos have not yet calculated the effect Nader's entry into the race may play in the general election. Although the odds of Nader himself being elected are long indeed, the chance that he might sway voters away from favorite Barack Obama must be considered.

Before Nader's announcement, most online bookmakers had Obama as the frontrunner; Bodog. com listed him at 5-7, Sportsbook.com at 2-3, and Betus.com at even money. The same three put John McCain at 7-4, 3-2, and +185, respectively. Hillary Clinton was a choice at 4-1, 3-1, and +300.

Nader's declaration will probably cause an adjustment, bringing Obama and McCain closer to even with each other, and putting Clinton as a slightly longer shot than before.

Nader's appeal was felt far more in the election of 2000 rather than that of 2004. His Green Party candidacy of 2000 drew 2.7% of the vote, ironic in that the man who most likely lost those voters was Al Gore, best known currently for his Green stances. In 2004, Nader was able to qualify for the ballot in only 34 states, and drew just 0.3% of voters.

Still, Nader's strength traditionally lies with young and far-left voters, most of whom would be expected to be Obama supporters. If Nader does get support in the upcoming election, McCain and the Republicans would almost certainly be the bebeficiaries.Republican candidate Mike Huckabee admitted as much on a CNN interview shortly before Nader's announcement, noting most of Nader's supporters are traditional Democrats and saying, " So naturally, Republicans would welcomehis entry into the race."

Nader stated his reasons for joining the race were a lack of substantial difference between the candidates of the two major parties, saying both were too close to big business and had not done enough for health care.