December 1, 1976: President-elect James Earl "Jimmy" Carter announces that he will nominate consumer-rights advocate Ralph Nader to be the next U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
1977-1980: Ralph Nader is unanimously confirmed to be the next U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Nader's first action as Secretary is to work for the building to be renamed after former President Herbert Hoover, the greatest Secretary of Commerce in American history. Taking a cue from Secretary Hoover, Nader pledges that he would use the office to protect consumers against what he saw as threats to America, including the destruction of the Carter-Glass Act. Nader also worked closely with the EPA to create some of the most far-reaching environmental regulations since the Clean Water and Air Acts. This fight to protect consumers and the environment endears him to the American people, often being named one of the most popular men in the U.S. government. There is even talk that President Carter is planning on dumping Vice-President Mondale in 1980 in exchange for Secretary Nader. He is so well respected, in fact, that Washington insiders and even Nader's own staff members refer to him as "Herbert Hoover 2.0."
While Secretary of Commerce, Nader also hires a young Elizabeth Warren as an aide. This would create one of the longest political relationships of the 20th Century. Both Nader and Warren would go on to serve stellar careers in the U.S. Government.
November 1, 1979: With the President's re-election hopes looking doubtful, Secretary Nader announces that he will not stay on for a second term even if Carter is re-elected. Instead, Ralph Nader announces that he will seek election to the U.S. Senate in 1980 from his home state of Connecticut. Elizabeth Warren quickly joins the campaign team.
1977-1980: Ralph Nader is unanimously confirmed to be the next U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Nader's first action as Secretary is to work for the building to be renamed after former President Herbert Hoover, the greatest Secretary of Commerce in American history. Taking a cue from Secretary Hoover, Nader pledges that he would use the office to protect consumers against what he saw as threats to America, including the destruction of the Carter-Glass Act. Nader also worked closely with the EPA to create some of the most far-reaching environmental regulations since the Clean Water and Air Acts. This fight to protect consumers and the environment endears him to the American people, often being named one of the most popular men in the U.S. government. There is even talk that President Carter is planning on dumping Vice-President Mondale in 1980 in exchange for Secretary Nader. He is so well respected, in fact, that Washington insiders and even Nader's own staff members refer to him as "Herbert Hoover 2.0."
While Secretary of Commerce, Nader also hires a young Elizabeth Warren as an aide. This would create one of the longest political relationships of the 20th Century. Both Nader and Warren would go on to serve stellar careers in the U.S. Government.
November 1, 1979: With the President's re-election hopes looking doubtful, Secretary Nader announces that he will not stay on for a second term even if Carter is re-elected. Instead, Ralph Nader announces that he will seek election to the U.S. Senate in 1980 from his home state of Connecticut. Elizabeth Warren quickly joins the campaign team.
