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Barr trying to get into debates

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor August 19, 2008 02:17 PM

Independent Ralph Nader is organizing rallies in the convention cities of Denver and St. Paul, trying to barge his way into the presidential debates.

Libertarian Bob Barr's campaign today cited a recent poll by Zogby that shows that 55 percent of all voters want Barr included in the debates, which now only include Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. Of the respondents, 69 percent of independents, 52 percent of Democrats, and 50 percent of Republicans favored inviting Barr, a former Republican congressman from Georgia. Younger voters were more open to including Barr, Zogby said.

"We're very pleased to hear the results of the poll and are heartened to learn that most voters don't buy into the 'spoiler' argument being espoused by partisan talking heads," Russell Verney, Barr's campaign manager and former campaign manager for Ross Perot, said in a statement. "People want real change and they know that they are not going to get it from a Republican or a Democrat. America's only hope for change is by allowing more competition in the political process and that means opening the debates to any candidate who can meet the ballot access criteria."

In the poll, 46 percent of all voters and 59 percent of independents said Nader should be invited.

But Barr's campaign acknowledged that the Commission on Presidential Debates says that to be included in the debates, a candidate must meet ballot access requirements and reach 15 percent in at least five national polls. Barr is currently polling at 6 percent nationally.

7 comments so far...
  1. We need more voices in the Debates--this poll only corroborates Nader's and Barr's claims. They are legit, substantial figures and Americans want them on stage to engage in the national dialogue about issues that matter most to us.

    If you agree, then please write or call the Commission on Presidential Debates and let them know that you're an American and want to see democracy in action--tell them to open up the debates!

    Best,
    Nigel
    Worcester, MA

    Posted by Nigel T. Gully August 19, 08 03:44 PM
  1. We need to hear all of the candidates speak. Its not good enough to hear only the elitist and the thug speak!

    Posted by bruce August 19, 08 10:53 PM
  1. Barr's campaign acknowledged a private group, whose sole purpose it is to push the two party system, will not allow him a place in the debates.


    Who elected this commission anyway?

    Posted by James Orleans August 20, 08 09:30 AM
  1. We need more voices in the Debates--this poll only corroborates Nader's and Barr's claims. They are legit, substantial figures and Americans want them on stage to engage in the national dialogue about issues that matter most to us.

    If you agree, then please write or call the Commission on Presidential Debates and let them know that you're an American and want to see democracy in action--tell them to open up the debates!

    Best,
    Nigel
    Worcester, MA

    Posted by Nigel T. Gully August 20, 08 11:47 AM
  1. The "commission" is a privately owned corporation. Guess who owns it... Don't take my word for it. Look it up.

    Last election "debates", they actually gave "Wanted" type pictures to security with Nader's face on it... Check youtube, it's on film... won't ever show up on TV though.

    Turn off your TVs people!

    Posted by Yann August 20, 08 11:50 AM
  1. We need to hear all of the candidates speak. Its not good enough to hear only the elitist and the thug speak!

    Posted by bruce August 20, 08 09:38 PM
  1. Go Barr Go!

    Get involved!

    www.bobbarr2008.com

    www.lp.org

    Posted by Tim August 26, 08 11:25 PM
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About political intelligence Field reports from Boston Globe reporters and editors covering the 2008 presidential campaign and the national maneuvering of Bay State politicians.

Send your comments to masspolitics@globe.com

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