Cynthia McKinney

Ralph Nader: Ralph Nader in Portland. Politicker photo.PORTLAND – Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader hopes that the third time will be the charm, and Monday night he was in Portland to spread his message which strongly opposes major political parties and big corporations.

Nader first addressed the press before speaking to the crowd that half-filled the Unitarian Universalist Church on Congress Street. He offered a number of bitter comments about energy policy, the recent bailout, and this year’s general political climate. He scolded the first reporter to use the term “spoiler”.

“I will not tolerate political bigotry from the fourth estate. The premise of that is that we are second class citizens,” he said.

Nader is one of three third-party candidates running for president this year, along with Libertarian Bob Barr and Green Cynthia McKinney.

Ralph Nader, a hopeful presidential candidate, submitted 5,500 signatures to the Maine Secretary of State’s office today.

This is more than the 4,000 needed.

The Portland Press Herald has details here.