Two Sets of Parents Hear That Ralph Nader May Run Again

deadline poet

By Calvin Trillin

This article appeared in the July 30, 2007 edition of The Nation.

July 12, 2007

In the 2000 presidential campaign, Mr. Nader contended that the Republican and Democratic parties were so similar it would make little difference whether Mr. Bush or Mr. Gore were elected.   --New York Times

You thought your kid might be assigned
To decent schools. Now, never mind.
Because Bush judges tipped the court,
All integration plans abort.
Take comfort hearing Ralph proclaim:
The major parties are the same.

You're worried sick about Iraq--
The war devised by Bush's claque.
Your son is there, and you believe
That he may die 'cause Bush won't leave.
Take comfort hearing Ralph proclaim:
The major parties are the same.

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About Calvin Trillin

Calvin Trillin is The Nation's "deadline poet." He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1963 and has written the syndicated weekly column "Uncivil Liberties" since 1986. He has authored many, many books, including Tepper's Not Going Out and Deadline Poet: My Life as a Doggerelist. more...
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