Libertarian and Green Party candidates arrested at debate.

[leftyandproud]

http://www.badnarik.org/newsfromthetrail.php?p=1346

MICHAEL BADNARIK ARRESTED
October 8

8:38PM CST

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.

Fred Collins reported to me from the ground that Badnarik and Cobb are in great physical condition and great spirit.

As soon as more details are available, they will be posted here immediately.

8:51PM CST

I just spoke with Jon Airheart on his cellular telephone. He reports that while he could see no handcuffs, both Badnarik and Cobb had their hands behind their backs, as if they were handcuffed. Airheart also confirms that Badnarik did have the papers to serve the CPD in his jacket pocket.

9:09PM CST

The first AP report just hit Google News:

Just as the debate began, two third-party presidential candidates purposely crossed a police barricade and were arrested. Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb and Libertarian Party candidate Michael Badnarik were protesting their exclusion from the debate

[msongs]

1. guess ralph nader did not have the

guts or integrity to join them outside the hall. say has he ever figured out what "party" he is running with?

Msongs
Riverside CA

[aldian159]

2. God, these publicity stunts are crap

Regarding third parites debating. Badnarik, Cobb, Nader, et al. have as much chance of being President as I do. Why is it they feel entitled to being at a debate? When your chances go from "no chance in hell" to "slim," call me back. I might change my mind.

[leftyandproud]

3. The CPD is owned by the dems and reps.

They control everything...Third parties WOULD have a chance if they had a forum to get their message out. They are asking questions and proposing ideas that many Americans want to hear. We get scripted fluff from these people...not a a real debate.

[Andy_Stephenson]

5. I agree

David Cobb would make a fine President. But the message is stifled.

[aldian159]

6. When the other parties become viable

Call me back. Until then, we have a two-party system, like it or hate it.

[welshTerrier2]

9. OK ... I hate it ...

what does that really mean "we have a two party system?"

it means that two parties totally control the political process ... is that how our system of government is defined in the Constitution ... not that I'm aware of ...

as i said in another reply in this thread, I have no problem giving the majority of airtime to the two major parties ... but i have a major problem with the argument that until 3rd parties are "viable", they should be squashed and excluded from public view ...

again, most debates should focus on dems and repubs ... but not ALL debates ... we need to find a better system to provide those with opposing views at least some exposure to the American people and to the major party candidates ...

neither democrats or republicans should be afraid of doing this ... fresh ideas are good for democracies ...

[aldian159]

10. I don't disagree at all.

But my blood boils whenever Nader says "I wanna play!" Than again, it might just be Nader, not his message getting me pissed.

[cheshire]

4. Good I heard Badnarik was getting 1% to 3% of votes.

[IronLionZion]

7. Badnarik is a serious Bush spoiler

because many economic conservatives know that Bush hates free enterprise more than anything, and they can't stand voting for a Democrat so they go for the Libertarian. Badnarik is polling like 3% in some states but pollsters don't report it.

The unfortunate thing is that he takes votes from Kerry because...well...some Democrats think Kerry might be a douchebag and know that Bush is definitely a douchebag.

[JohnKleeb]

11. Any democrat who votes for Badnarik because they dont trust Kerry

is a fool and IMO has no understanding of hwat makes democrats democrats.

[welshTerrier2]

8. 3rd parties should have at least some chance to participate

i am 110% behind john kerry ... but i hate the Federal Election Commission and I resent that other voices and parties are not given a national stage to air their ideas ...

my solution would be to do the following:
there would be a total of 5 presidential debates ...
the first debate would have just a dem and a repub
the second debate would have all "major" 3rd party candidates
the third debate would have dem, repub, and the top 2 3rd party candidates ...
the 4th and 5th debates would have only dem and repub ...

it is just plain wrong to block third party candidates from the national stage ... we shouldn't be afraid to let other voices be heard ... we can still give sufficient head-to-head time to the two major parties and yet broaden the national dialog by including other candidates ...

[leftyandproud]

12. both parties are terrified of a real debate

Perot was polling around 10% pre debate and ended up with 30% on election day. People want to hear other voices but the major parties won't allow it now.