Ralph Nader: A Political Activist

Ralph Nader, born on February 27, 1934, is a consumer advocate, attorney and an author. He is most widely known for being a third party candidate in the infamous 2000 U.S. presidential election and his contributions to the consumer movement of the 21st century. Nader is a determined and strong-willed man who has had a hand in the political scene of the United States, since 1966. His critics regard him as a spoiler while his supporters describe him as being “a person who, virtually single handedly, made a monumental difference in our world.” Ralph Nader is political activist who continues to influence many through his perseverance and muckraking.

Born in Winsted, Connecticut, Nader is one of four children born to Rose and Nathra Nader, Lebanese Immigrants. Nader’s parents owned a popular restaurant in Winsted which was renowned for the, sometimes lively, political discussions that would take place between Nathra and his customers. Nader’s parents were not afraid to speak their opinions on current issues. This politically active environment is what led Nader to study at Princeton University (graduate of 1955) and later at Harvard Law School from which he graduated in 1958. After a six-month stint in the U.S. Army in 1959, he went on to practise law in Connecticut and lecture at Hertford University.

He went on to publish a book called “Unsafe at Any Speed” which focused on the complete lack of safety features and regulations in cars made by General Motors. It was through this book and Nader’s persistence that federal regulatory agencies, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, were created and millions of defective cars were recalled. Over the next several years Nader began to intensify his lobbying and career as a consumer