So what do you think of the debates so far? Good information, the candidates, obviously there are only two right, are really answering some tough questions, really being put to the test? I say nay!
I watched the first two, the initial Presidential and the VP debate. What I really learned was the misinformation the other candidate wanted us all to know about their opponent. What I'd really like to know is their honest, unrehearsed opinions about the real issues, like the economy. I'd like them to answer a question thoroughly and within their time limit. If a candidate doesn't answer the question the moderator asked, the moderator should interrupt them and make them start over answering the real question.
Being President of the United States is not something you can rehearse for, hopefully if you've come this far, you'll be somewhat prepared, but challenges will arise and you'll have to think on your feet. I want to see these candidates think on their feet during the debate. I'd also like to see a session where the candidates ask each other questions and the moderator make them answer the questions.
More than any of these rants, I'd like to see the debates open to more candidates. The
Commission on Presidential Debates has three criteria that must be met in order to participate in a debate: 1.) Constitutional Eligibility; age 35 or older and born in the US. 2.) The candidate qualify to have his/her name appear on enough state ballots to have at least a mathematical chance of securing an Electoral College majority in the 2008 general election. 3.) The candidate have a level of support of at least 15% (fifteen percent) of the national electorate as determined by five selected national public opinion polling organizations.
Criterion 3 is what keeps the debate locked in for just Republicans and Democrats. Bob Barr, for instance, easily meets criteria 1 and 2. I know voting for Bob Barr is a long shot at best, but he is on the ballot for 47 states. The ability to hold the office of President and get yourself on that many state ballots should be enough requirements to appear on the debate and debate all the candidates. So far the debates have been completely lacking in any substance, adding more candidates, at least the leading third party candidate to at least one debate would really give the American public more to think about. Plus it would bring in tons of ratings for the networks.
According to
Zogby poll, 55% of likely votes want to see Bob Barr in the debates. Even 46% would like to see Ralph Nader should be included.
If you would like to see more candidates in the final debate on October 15th, consider doing the following:
Sign the debate petition found at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/presidential_debates. All you need to do is put your name (unless you choose to remain Anonymous) and email address, then click on the submit button.
Contact the Commission on Presidential Debates and state your desire to have more candidates appear in the debate. Use the following contact info:
(202) 872-1020
Commission on Presidential Debates
1200 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
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