Chomsky (reluctantly) Backs Kerry

international | anti-war / imperialism | news report Tuesday March 23, 2004 13:52 by Dominic Carroll

Noam Chomsky has publicly given his backing to John Kerry for the US presidency. Chomsky, of course, prefers Nadar, but in an interview in the Guardian seems to advocate a vote for Kerry, presumbably because Nadar is not going to win and each vote for him is one less for Kerry, thus opening the way for a Bush victory.

Chomsky's position is outlined in a Guardian article (Saturday 20th March 2004) and can be accessed on-line at
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/voices/story/0,12820,1168160,00.html

On Kerry, Chomsky has this to say:
"Kerry is sometimes described as Bush-lite, which is not inaccurate, and in general the political spectrum is pretty narrow in the United States, and elections are mostly bought, as the population knows.

"But despite the limited differences both domestically and internationally, there are differences. And in this system of immense power, small differences can translate into large outcomes.

"My feeling is pretty much the way it was in the year 2000. I admire Ralph Nader and Denis Kucinich very much, and insofar as they bring up issues and carry out an educational and organisational function - that's important, and fine, and I support it.

"However, when it comes to the choice between the two factions of the business party, it does sometimes, in this case as in 2000, make a difference. A fraction."