Obama rejects Ralph Nader's claim that he tries to 'talk white' and appeal to 'white guilt'

CHICAGO - Barack Obama dismissed independent presidential Ralph Nader's claim that the Democratic candidate is trying to "talk white" and has failed to challenge the power structure to appeal to "white guilt."

Obama told reporters on Wednesday that Nader, who has run for president several times, including 2000 and 2004, was trying to get attention with "an inflammatory statement."


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Obama said Nader had not been paying attention because he has discussed predatory lending, housing foreclosures and similar economic issues throughout his campaign.

"I think it's a shame because if you look at his legacy in terms of consumer protections, it's an extraordinary one. But at this point, he's somebody who's trying to get attention and whose campaign hasn't gotten any traction," Obama said.

Nader, 74, is a consumer advocate and political activist.