Young Ralph Nader

In 1966, General Motors, the most powerful corporation in the world, sent private investigators to dig up dirt on an obscure 32-year-old public interest lawyer named Ralph Nader, who had written a book critical of one of their cars, the Corvair. The scandal that ensued after the smear campaign was revealed launched Nader into national prominence and established him as one of the most admired Americans and the leader of the modern consumer movement.

Independent Lens “An Unreasonable Man” presents a fascinating look at the life and times of Nader and the evolution of his image from beloved populist hero to beleaguered political outsider. It airs Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET2.

Over the course of three decades, and without ever holding public office, Nader built a legislative record that is the rival of any contemporary president. Many things we take for granted — including seat belts, airbags, product labeling and much more — are largely due to the efforts of Nader and his citizen groups. Yet today, when many people hear Nader’s name, they consider him the man who cost Al Gore the 2000 presidential election. As a result, after sustaining his popularity and effectiveness over an unprecedented amount of time, he has become a pariah even among former friends and allies.

How did this happen? Who has stuck by him and who has abandoned him? After being so right for so many years, did Nader or the system go wrong?

With the help of rare archival footage and more than 40 on-camera interviews conducted over two years with political insiders including Eric Alterman, Pat Buchanan, Todd Gitlin, William Grieder and others, “An Unreasonable Man” traces the life and career of one of the most controversial figures of the past half century.

Independent Lens “An Unreasonable Man” is produced by ITVS, Henriette Mantel, producer.