How about a rule that says all Presidential debates include the TOP 3 candidates, regardless of the numbers?

Question

Would you support a rule that guarantees that a third candidate is in every Presidential debate?

McCain and Obama will have two or three debates. That's great and I can't wait to see them.

But what about all the other candidates for President?

There are several other candidates who are on enough ballots where they could theoretically earn enough electoral votes to win the Presidency.

They are:

Chuck Baldwin (constitution party)

Bob Barr (libertarian)

Cynthia McKinney (green)

Ralph Nader (independant)

Why not just make a rule that says the 3rd place candidate in the polls (regardless how how small that 3rd place is) gets to be in the debate? So even of the third place candidate only has .03% of the vote according to polls, he or she still gets to be in the debate.

It would encourage discussion and consideration of other views.

What do you think?

Answer 1

The candidates aren't required to participate in any debates.    You could have a debate with this rule, and the two candidates from the major party could simply opt not to attend.

Answer 2

The TV networks are private companies and can make their own decisions.  Personally, I think 3rd party candidates should be included if they have a reasonable level of support to warrant being included.  Currently there are no candidates that warrant being included in a debate.