Kerry and Edwards each try to channel Nader: Speaking on the campaign trail in Maryland, Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards sought to portray himself as the alternative to Nader for independent voters. "I think if we have someone at the top of the ticket that's appealing to independents, appealing to the kind of people who might be attracted to a Nader campaign, then we'll be fine," he said. "And I think I'm exactly that kind of candidate." Democratic front-runner John Kerry said he and Nader "stand together" on issues such as health care, taxes and the environment. "Americans who want to see change in this nation know how important it is to defeat George W. Bush," Kerry said. "To do that, it is important that we remain united in November and rally behind the Democratic nominee, whoever that may be." This represents a welcome change from the failed Democratic strategy of trying to bludgeon Nader, and I hope, should Nader tomorrow announce the unfortunate decision to run, that it represents a new pattern. Progressive voters will, of course, need to continue pressing Edwards on what he has to offer "the kind of people who might be attracted to a Nader campaign," and Kerry on how close, exactly, he and Nader on standing on "health care, taxes, and the environment."