Ralph Nader: An Unreasonable Man

With the presidential election six weeks away, it seems like an appropriate time to revisit An Unreasonable Man, arguably the most compelling film related to the ’08 candidates. This documentary and ’06 Sundance Film Festival entry chronicles the life of independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader, from his consumer activist roots in the early ‘60s through his controversial presidential run in 2000 and beyond. (For more ’08 presidential candidates on DVD, check out the A&E Biography: John McCain episode, as well as the documentary American Blackout, which prominently features Green Party candidate and former Georgia Congressional Representative Cynthia McKinney.)

 

Nader has recently gotten some press for his comedic Obama Girl and Cardozo the Parrot YouTube videos, as well as his early warnings regarding the demise of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But as An Unreasonable Man shows, he’s been mixing it up with political and corporate bigwigs since the late ‘50s, when as a law student at Harvard he began examining auto industry safeguards following his friend’s death in a car accident.

 

Much of the film’s first half focuses on auto safety history, General Motors’ efforts to discredit Nader, and talking-head interviews, but An Unreasonable Man remains compelling for the occasional surprises it yields. It’s tough to say what’s more shocking: watching Bobby Kennedy at the GM hearings and realizing how far back Nader goes, or listening to the head of GM apologize before a congressional commission. Dude, CEOs used to take accountability for their actions?

 

The revelations continue with the fact that George McGovern considered Nader for VP in ’72. As the key bills Nader spearheaded tick off–Clean Air Act, Freedom of Information Act, etc.–we also hear from a few Nader’s Raiders who report on his intolerance for anyone who pursued a path he disagreed with. Was this the first sign of what some critics call Nader’s egomania?

 

After hosting Saturday Night Live in its late ‘70s heyday (Nader on SNL?-whoa!), the ’80 and ‘90s saw Nader become increasingly frustrated with the political process, which led to his presidential run in 2000. And that’s when the documentary gets particularly interesting, as we hear about the obstacles Nader (and all third parties) face in running for president. With Nader, McKinney, and former Georgia Congressman (and current Libertarian presidential candidate) Bob Barr excluded from this year’s debates, it’s fascinating to see how the two parties work to make it difficult for other candidates to participate. In one of the film’s most eye-opening scenes, Nader is denied entrance to the Bush-Gore debate—as a spectator—despite having a ticket in hand.

 

As for the election itself, we hear from the editor of leftist magazine The Nation, who blames Nader for Gore’s loss, as well as the Iraq war and other societal ills. We also get insights from pundits who defend Nader’s right to run and question whether he actually cost Gore the victory. Directors Henriette Mantel and Steve Skrovan do a fine job of balancing points of view here, although an interview with Gore himself would have been a huge coup.

 

While the movie dedicates plenty of time to Nader’s relationship with progressives, one complaint is that it barely probes his fascinating interaction with conservatives. This constituency, particularly libertarians, has always supported Nader in bigger numbers than some might expect, but other than the presence of Pat Buchanan, this faction doesn’t appear much. Considering Ron Paul’s recent appearance on CNN with Nader, it’s too bad this angle isn’t explored more.

 

Overall, though, An Unreasonable Man is a fine introduction to Ralph Nader, and although it would have benefited from a little more creativity and bigger-name interviews, it’s recommended viewing for anyone interested in the ’08 election.

 

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Tags: 2008 presidential election, an unreasonable man, open the debates, ralph nader, third party candidates