Ralph Nader: Celebrating Golden Anniversary as Activist

Fifty years ago this week, lawyer–turned–citizens’ advocate Ralph Nader changed the entire auto industry by writing Unsafe at any Speed. The book became a nonfiction bestseller and was responsible for the demise of the Chevrolet Corvair and the formation of the National Auto Safety Board, and led to the requirement for seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes among others.

Nader, now 81, has been a persistent advocate for consumer rights, the environment, and anti-corporatism. He was a candidate for President four times, beginning in 1992. In exclusive archival footage by Bill Stamets for our PBS series THE 90’s, we see Nader campaigning as a write-in candidate in the New Hampshire primary. He was never an electrifying political speaker, but he had a straightforward appeal to the good sense and logic of voters as citizens.

Watch a short segment behind the scenes with Nader in New Hampshire or check out more from the 1992 Presidential Election for free.

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Ralph Nader: Celebrating Golden Anniversary as Activist

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