Quote:
Originally posted by onetime2
I think anyone on the ballot in any state should be allowed. They are, after all, running for President.
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True if the debate is just held in that state and perhaps the media could give that candidate equal time before or after as a type of rebuttal.
Nationally, though, you are taking away time from the people who worked hardest (true that's a debateable statement) to get on all 50 ballots (I think most states just require so many signatures before the deadline... except the GOP and DEMS who are given passes which I disagree with.).
I think to go by some percentile of the vote or whatever the formula needs to be abolished because it does only favor the big 2 and in only those 2 being there it inhibits another party's growth.
The great thing about Perot was he started a grassroots party with his own money, unfortunately it is slowly dying because of lack of recognition and availability to and interest of the press.
That's another downside to this partisan hate mongering. If the focus stays on the 2 big parties hating each other and the "he said, she said" game there's no room or time to focus on other groups that might actually make more sense and erode one of the big 2's base.
The only reason Nader gets anything is because of his name and past stances get instant recognition.
In all honesty had it not been for this board I would never have known the LP's candidate's name even mainly because there is no press coverage of the LP. AND THAT IS A PATHETIC THING FOR THE PRESS TO ALLOW HAPPEN.
The press should set a similar amount of time for the LP's convention as they do the big 2. Let the voters, decide not the press who gets coverage.