Despite his single-digit poll numbers, Nader expressed great hope that his campaign will make the Green Party a "daily watchdog" of the two major parties which will "move to victory in the coming elections."
If he receives more than 5 percent of the popular vote, his party would be entitled to millions of dollars worth of federal funds for a 2004 bid.
If 1 million Americans dedicated 100 hours and $100 to the Greens each year, he said, "We will move to a majority party within a few years."
Nader supporters were similarly enthusiastic.
"It's not necessarily about winning, it's about building a better movement, and this was definitely a part of that," said Thomas B. Barker, a local student.
--Daniel D. Springer contributed to the reporting of this story.