Nader Admits to Fathering Illegitimate Child
-Washington, D.C. (AIP)
In a revelation that is likely to hamper what were his previously high chances of winning the presidency this November, presidential candidate Ralph Nader has admitted to fathering an illegitimate child in 1999.
“Yes, I did father a child with [staffer] LaTonya Parker in 1999,” said Nader at a brief press conference Thursday. “We have a beautiful daughter together, Keisha. I have supported her since birth, and fulfilled all my responsibilities as a father.”
The longtime consumer advocate and lifelong bachelor first came to national prominence in 1965 with his publication of Unsafe at Any Speed, a book detailing the reluctance of the automobile industry to introduce safety features into their cars. Since then, Nader has gained a reputation as a strong supporter of consumer rights, economic reform, and environmentalism.
Nader, 74, is known by many for leading a stoic and minimalist lifestyle, owning neither a car nor a house and giving away most of his income to his non-profit organizations; he was assumed by many to be a virgin. As such, his admission Thursday that he fathered a child with a staffer has come as a shock to many.
“I can’t believe it,” says longtime Nader supporter and Miami resident Marie Rosenthal. “Why is he hiding his child like this? Why didn’t he tell us? Shame on you, Ralph!”
Nader’s support has been as high as 61% in recent public opinion polls, and he has been favored by many political analysts as the frontrunner for President in November’s election. This news, however, is expected to bring those numbers down substantially.
According to CNN political analyst and former presidential adviser Paul Begala, “Nader’s admission will hinder his campaign significantly. Even amongst the members of the left that Nader regularly courts, hiding children is frowned upon.”
While some are dismayed at the news, others who know Nader well say that he has a reputation amongst his inner circle as something of a Lothario. Says Princeton classmate and longtime friend and confidante Robert Rostow, “A lot of people don’t know this about Ralph, but the ladies love him. And you know what? Ralph loves the ladies.”
