[...and thus, the more covert side of the Campaign for Kerry goes, big and bad from behind keyboards.]
Posted on 10/08/2004 9:55:37 PM PDT by soccer4life
8:38PM CT
The first report from St. Louis is in - and presidential candidates Michael Badnarik (Libertarian) and David Cobb (Green Party) were just arrested. Badnarik was carrying an Order to Show Cause, which he intended to serve the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). Earlier today, Libertarians attempted to serve these same papers at the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the CPD - but were stopped from approaching the CPD office by security guards.
I know everyone here is talking tough in saying they wouldn't mind if Badnarik was allowed to debate or on the ticket, but like it or not, this election *is* close, and Badnarik is more likely to siphon conservative votes than liberal... We really need every vote we can get, and I am actually a little worried he's getting this much attention about this... ok, not really worried, but I hope it doesn't get much more attention in the media. You never can tell what the media is going to pull next...
I like the idea of having a minimum threshold in polling for participation.
How else can you limit the debates to any number?
Not a big L, because the Libertarian Party is full of schmucks.
BADNARIK & COBB.....sounds like a puppet show...
CFD (Commission on Presidential Debates ). It was run by the League of Women Voters from 1976 to 1984, then taken over by a non-partisan Republican / Democrat group. The major parties had issues with including John Anderson and Ross Perot. Easy to understand why...
Exactly pupdog. If you can't win enough electoral votes to get the Presidency, there's no point in being there.
There's 6 in this race, right? (It hasn't been mentioned much in the papers this election. Or maybe I haven't been paying as much attention as I should.)
That is a succinct and superb analysis on this situation. LOL!
Yep. (Even if you agree that only two parties should be allowed, the rules about allowed hand movements are over the top). Is CPD a NGO? Or just a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt group?
I once called the Libertarian Party the Chicago Cubs of political parties. After reading this, Cubs fans don't deserve to be insulted like that.
Great question?
Why isn't anyone in the national media asking this question. I thought the media/press was the watch dog of the government? Not in this case.
Badnarik is on 48 ballots and DC, Cobb is on 36 and I think Nader and Peroutka are on 30 or 32. Depending on what states you are on, mathematically one needs to be on at least 25 ballots. By this then the Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Constitutions and the Reform (Nader) should all be included in true Presidential Debates not the bi-partisan infomercials that are set up by the CPD. The CPD is unconstitutional on so many levels. What Badnarik and Cobb did on Friday night was admirable. Add to it the lawsuit in Arizona to stop the debate on Oct. 13 and you will begin to see some heads turn.
Absolutely. For instance, they might have asked President Bush why he considers himself to be a conservative, or something like that.
Tell 'em to watch the 3rd debate at Ralph's house!
Art Bell interviewed Badnarik on his overnight radio show last night. After the interview Art offered 4 or 5 hours of prime overnight radio time to Bush or sKerry. It might be kinda cool if the Prez would do a radio interview... Someone might want to inform his team about the offer anyway...
Art Bell did a wonderful service to the LP last night. That was an incredible interview and Badnarik did a great job explaining his platform and giving details into how he would make things happen, Bush and Kerry don't do that at all.
I agree. The debates should include third party candidates. HOWEVER, admission should be limited to those either polling above a certain percentage, or on the ballots in a minimum number of states; otherwise, you'd have every little fringe group candidate trying to participate. Perhaps the town hall format would work well for a debate with four candidates.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.