Should Sharpton and Kucinich be excluded from Feb. 26 debate?

[Rooktoven]

Jeff Greenfield brought up an interesting point on CNN. The Los Angeles Times and CNN co-sponsor a debate on February 26. According to terms they made with the Democratic party, the sponsors are allowed to exclude any candidate who has not won 10% of the vote in a primary. Now the interesting details-- Sharpton won 9.6% of the South Carolina Primary. Dennis Kucinich won 15% of the Washington _caucus_.

Should they strictly interpret a cut-off to allow for a more focused debate, or should they be generous to allow everyone to speak.

(My take-- 4 people, advantage Kerry, 2 people, advantage Edwards)

[Renew Deal]

1. Dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=351196

[Rooktoven]

4. Sorry, typed as fast as I could.

[Indiana_Dem]

2. No, they aren't hurting anything.

They are able to say the things the frontrunners are afraid to say but need to be said! They aren't taking any delegates away or anything. They are an asset to the party.

[La_Serpiente]

3. No

they bring representation to those in the parties who have no voice.

[Rowdyboy]

5. self-deleted

[DenverDem]

8. So,then, when is Edwards dropping out?

I mean, he's only won two states.

See how it feels?

[Rowdyboy]

11. You're right...I apologise....

I've deleted my post and I hope you excuse my lapse in adult behavior. I'm still VERY unhappy that Clark is out of the race and I'm trying to adjust, poorly it seems...

[youngred]

6. No, they should not

or you're headed to losing the progressive vote again this time around

[arwalden]

14. .

.

-- Allen

[spooky3]

7. I wonder if people's votes would change if the two candidates who

chose to stay in the race with the same vote totals were Lieberman and Braun rather than Sharpton and Kucinich.

[Rooktoven]

10. the same way.

"Quit wasting our time guys!" :-)

[mvd]

9. No!

Kerry should accept Edwards's debate proposal and then we can have things both ways.

[DenverDem]

12. We need to get somebody nominated soon,

I'm getting pretty sick of everybody.

(Except DK, of course. But he's not electable, I know, I know.)

[Taeger]

13. It's still early ...

I have no illusions that either can win. But they have VERY important voices. They are good for the debates.

Give em hell Dennis!!!!!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. My vote is for all

because all of the candidates have contributed to the shape of this campaign.