In an interview, presidential candidate Ralph Nader (I) expresses his thoughts on the electoral college as well as third party candidates' involvement in nationally televised debates.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the electoral college? What is the popular vote? Why does Mr. Nader believe the electoral college should be abolished? According to Mr. Nader, what is being done at the state level to address concerns about the function of the electoral college?
2. How much money has Mr. Nader raised for his presidential campaign? Compare this figure to the amount raised by the presumptive Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and the presumptive Republican nominee Senator John McCain (R-AZ). Why may this be important?
3. What is the percentage of support a candidate must reach in order to be included in the Google debate mentioned by Mr. Nader? How is this proposed debate different from the other four presidential debates? Why is it important for presidential candidates to be involved in debates?
4. According to Mr. Nader, why is it difficult for third party candidates to be invited to participate in the presidential debates? Which groups organize the debates?