About Ralph Nader: Consumer advocate Ralph Nader announced on February 22, 2004, that he will run for president as an independent candidate to "challenge the two-party duopoly" he says is damaging American democracy. Nader has run three times for president, the last time in 2000, when he won 2.7 percent of the vote nationally. Many Democrats blame Nader's performance in Florida for costing then-Vice President Al Gore the election and fear his 2004 campaign will help re-elect Bush. Read full candidate profile >
Editor's note: This chart features brief summaries of candidates' viewpoints on some issues, based on their statements and records. Most candidates have offered more comprehensive explanations of their positions on these and other issues. More information may be found on their campaign Web sites.
Calls retirement fund "solid," says no immediate changes needed
State fiscal crisis
Notes state crises, points to misplaced federal tax/spending priorities
Tax cuts
Increase corporate taxes; tax stock, bond sales; retain estate tax
Budget deficits
Sharply criticizes Bush deficits, urges Ross Perot to speak out
Job creation
Amend trade pacts including NAFTA, fund public works projects, reform bureaucracy
NOTE AG: Attorney General; ANWR: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; CAFÉ:
Standards that provide tax and other incentives for consumers to purchase
and alternative fuel vehicles; COPS: Community Oriented Policing Program;
DOMA: Defense of Marriage Act; GLBT: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered;
NCLB: No Child Left Behind; NMD: National Missile Defense.