“Seriously Green” candidates are fighting back, as Greens, Progressives, Democrats, even reformed Republicans. Here are a few of our characters who go up against all the odds to fight for the environment and social justice.
Jesse Johnson, a former Republican, is West Virginia’s only gubernatorial candidate who opposes mountaintop removal. The incumbent, a pro-life, pro-death-penalty Democrat, is in bed with the coal companies and tainted by scandal. Jesse thinks he might have a shot at the big office, if only the media would take him seriously. Despite broadcasters blocking him from the one statewide-televised debate and reporters barely noting his campaign in newspaper articles, Jesse fights to tell West Virginians they have a pro-environment choice and alerts the nation that “West Virginia is ground zero for global climate change.”
Kat Swift pursues her lifetime goal – running for President as a Green. Her dreadlocks, unshaven legs and advocacy for non-violence and the environment make Kat a Presidential Candidate like no other. She is also the youngest, turning 35 just in time for the Green Party’s nominating convention. Kat places the Party’s interests ahead of her own, from sharing her campaign manager to coordinating campaign events that include her opponents. While she does not win the nomination, we see her graciously demonstrate a spirit of “co-opetition”and trust we wish was more a part of the political arena. A bookkeeper at a non-profit for homeless people, Kat dares to enter the streets of San Antonio, Texas dressed as Wonder Woman to gather ballot access signatures and battle a system designed to keep out progressive voices. Can this Green Goddess run a national campaign and work her 9 to 5 job?
Malik Rahim became a hero in New Orleans and gained national attention for his efforts during the early days after Katrina, winning the respect of celebrity activists ranging from Brad Pitt, Danny Glover and Bruce Springsteen to journalist Amy Goodman. However, he has heard enough empty promises from gadflies about what they would do for New Orleans and has become a modern day Mr. Smith, that is, if Mr. Smith were a former Black Panther who had served time. Malik is running against the notorious incumbent Democrat William “Cash-In-The-Freezer” Jefferson for Congress and a newcomer running on the Republican ticket receiving an influx of funds from GOP supporters hoping to score a traditionally Democratic Congressional seat. In a city directly impacted by global warming, can Malik be the first Green to open the doors to Congress?
Former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney was drummed out of the Democratic Party because of her penchant for 
confronting the Bush administration in an era when “If you’re not for us, you’re against us.” She finds refuge amongst Greens who have pursued her for years to run for President. Cynthia agrees and gears up to face the presumed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, promising to deliver new party members from the minority community. Between the Obama phenomenon, her reputation for provocative posturing, and a critical miscalculation about Ralph Nader’s loyal supporters, the McKinney campaign risks implosion.
Vice Presidential Candidate Rosa Clemente, McKinney’s is a proud Latina from the Bronx. This Hip-Hop activist and community organizer isn’t taking any crap from Sarah Palin. She campaigns in message t-shirts, registers gang members to vote, and rolls with musicians like Dead Prez and Rage Against the Machine. Clemente’s raw approach to politics changes the party’s image from that of aging tree huggers to urban champions for social justice. Rosa deplores the unabashed consumerism at the DNC in Denver and dodges arrest at the RNC in St. Paul as she makes her case for minorities going Green.
Ralph Nader ran as a Green in 2000 and grew the party exponentially. However, George Bush’s controversial victory 
cemented Nader’s reputation as a spoiler and set off a bitter backlash against the Green Party. This time, Nader leads a national campaign to open up the Presidential debates and ushers in an era of collaboration between unlikely third parties who organize to break through the two-party system. This effort spurs a criticism against the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) which reaches mainstream and may positively alter the scope of the 2012 debates. Adored by many Greens, his entry into the Presidential race as an Independent creates a permanent split within the Green Party and illustrates the difficulty progressive ideologues have in getting along amongst themselves, while on the other hand, initiating critical dialogue necessary in our corporate friendly two-party system.
