Question

this excerpt is about the effect of green party candidate ralph nader on the 2000 presidential election.
nader has no doubt forced al gore to run a different kind of campaign than he would otherwise. . . . in past elections, gore chose to position himself as a new democrat, championing a moderate agenda that included downsizing and reinventing the government. his rhetoric has taken on a more populist tone in this campaign, emphasizing the role of the government as a check on the excesses of corporate power.
—naomi schneidmill, \election 2000: third party may swing election,\ the gw hatchet, november 6, 2000
based on this excerpt, how did ralph nader’s third - party candidacy affect the 2000 presidential election?
a nader’s candidacy shifted the issues discussed by the major - party candidates.
b nader’s candidacy was unable to influence the outcome of the election.
c nader’s candidacy decreased the media coverage given to the major - party candidates.
d nader’s candidacy was able to attract a majority of voters in the election.

Explanation:

The excerpt states that Nader forced Al Gore to run a different campaign, with Gore's rhetoric becoming more populist (emphasizing government's role against corporate power) compared to his past moderate agenda. This shows Nader's candidacy influenced the issues discussed by major - party candidates (Gore). Option B is incorrect as the excerpt implies influence on the campaign (which can affect the outcome). Option C is incorrect as there's no mention of media coverage decrease. Option D is incorrect as a third - party candidate like Nader is unlikely to attract a majority of voters.

Answer:

A. Nader’s candidacy shifted the issues discussed by the major - party candidates.