Bob Barr wants to participate in next Presidential debate
Bob Barr issued the following press release today, calling on the Commission on Presidential Debates to include him in the third Presidential debate scheduled for October 15, 2008.
The chance that Bob Barr’s request will be considered is very low because the Commission is run as a two-party system monopoly. It is headed by Frank Fahrenkopf, a former head of the Republican National Committee, and Paul Kirk, a former head of the Democratic National Committee.
Alternative Voice Needed in Final Debate
The presidential and vice-presidential “debates” are awful. The bloviating is excessive; the substance is minimal; and the moderating is bush league.Virtually no one has been satisfied with the debates so far–except perhaps Barack Obama’s campaign staff. The less substantive and contentious the debate is, and the less interesting the discussion–the better it is for the political front-runner, but not for the American people.
Obviously, part of the problem is procedural. We have moderators who seem more interested in squelching than in promoting real disagreement. We have formats that rule out the genuine give-and-take of an organic debate.
Imagine, for instance, how Sarah Palin would have performed if she had been called for ignoring questions and challenged for her repetitive canned generalities. Or, imagine if the presidential candidates each had 15 minutes to make their respective cases, followed by five-minute rebuttals and a question and answer period in which both could respond to each other. We might actually learn something about the candidates, other than their skill at dodging controversy. Rather than seeing these prospective presidents be forced to operate outside their own comfort zones, all the voters see are candidates doing their best to stay within their debate preparations–hardly “presidential!”
However, the biggest failing of the three contests so far is substantive. For all of the noise and fury of the campaign, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain agree more than they disagree. Both support the $2 trillion succession of federal bailouts of anyone remotely connected to Wall Street or the housing industry. Both support an expensive, imperial foreign policy, in which the U.S. subsidizes its wealthy friends and attempts to remake failed societies.
Additionally, both support massive regulation in the name of fighting climate change. Both backed warrantless surveillance of Americans’ phone calls and email. Both believe in endless energy subsidies and regulation. Both spent most of their careers opposing increased drilling for oil and natural gas at home. Both want to increase the size and expense of the military–at home and abroad.
Even their differences are distressingly small. Both would stay in Iraq for a time; they just argue whether the occupation should continue two or four years, or some other longer period of time. Sen. McCain used to join Sen. Obama in opposing tax cuts. Now, as a candidate for president, Sen. McCain says he is for them. To his credit, Sen. McCain wants to cut pork, but that is only about $18 billion in 2008, compared to the $2 trillion worth of bailouts that he supported.
There is one more debate scheduled, and it desperately needs another voice: An alternative candidate to challenge the false, but shared, assumptions of Senators Obama and McCain. The political establishment has bungled America’s foreign policy and wrecked America’s economy, but refuses to accept responsibility for its mistakes. The conventional wisdom has failed, but the two establishment candidates will talk about nothing else.
Add Bob Barr to the upcoming debate and open up its format, and I promise that the American people will enjoy a real debate that is focused on the issues. We will talk about substance, not fluff. And the American people will learn that they do have a genuine choice on November 4th–a candidate committed to making real change in Washington.
-Bob Barr
make yourself be heard,show up at the next debate.all of you,every party should crash this joke of a debate…
By joel on Oct 9, 2008
I’m a registered Independent and recently decided to vote Libertarian instead of the usual Republican, one of the main reasons is because John McCain voted for the bailout. That was a dealbreaker for me. I’ve always been bothered by the fact that the CPD doesn’t allow the Libertarian or Independent party to participate. While I admire Ralph Nader’s commitment to consumer advocacy over the years (it’s a noble cause!), he’s just too much for me, I like Mr. Barr much better. I’ve heard him on Boortz for years, he’s a good and decent man who believes in restoring America. I can’t possibly in good conscience vote for the other two parties, no way, maybe never again.
By Jessica on Oct 9, 2008
Is there something We The People can do to get Mr. Barr included in the presidential debates?
You know, regardless of how I might vote in November, I think ALL presidential/vice-presidential candidates should be allowed to take part in ALL debates, especially when they are televised on ALL the large networks across America. I really resent the Democratic and Republican parties deciding who I can and can’t see on television in a presidential or vice-presidential debate.
By Lori on Oct 12, 2008
If we cannot get Bob Barr into the debates (not that we should quit trying), we at least need to let the folks know he was excluded. One way to accomplish this would be to enlist Clint Eastwood for a 10 to 15 second radio commercial that says, “I’m sick of the Bailout Boys. Go ahead, punks, make my day . . .debate Bob Barr!” If the national radio market gets saturated with this message, it would have an impact.
By Doug Burlison on Oct 12, 2008
It’s really disheartening Bob. I’m 29 and I’m watching the republicans and democrats completely destroy the future of this country by continuing to add to our already tremendous deficit. You can count on my vote on election day! Just keep hammering away, one of these days our voices will be heard.
By Dave on Oct 12, 2008
I want to see my libertarian candidate included in this next debate for the sole reason of an educated discussion of consumption tax. I’m sick of hearing about “he said…she said” about tax cuts. Lets get rid of the tax cuts all together! Someone needs to represent ME at this debate…I am a Libertarian…shouldn’t MY candidate have a say at the debate?
By Lee - Atlanta Resident on Oct 13, 2008
“Please provide equal coverage of all Presidential Candidates including Libertarian nominee Bob Barr.
Thank You,”
Cut and paste and submit the above to all the media outlets in your area. My 1 might not help but if you told 2 friends and they told 2 friends and……
By Terri on Oct 15, 2008
I think the two candidates have talked in as much depth as they well already. Having Bob Barr attend the debate will be good for bringing up the issues that have had no coverage, and force them to speak in more depth on issues, where previously sound bites would allow them to coast. So yes I agree. Where can I support you in this?
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