The argument for debate inclusion is simple, logical, and accessible to even the most partisan among you; the 15% poll threshold is purely arbitrary, we need broader political engagement, not narrower, and if a third party or independent candidate is able to land on enough state ballots to theoretically have a chance of winning, what’s the issue?
Apart from the needs of the two-party duopoly, that is.
Jill Stein Should Be Part of a 4-Way Presidential Debate, by John Nichols (The Nation)Even those who do not back third-party contenders should recognize that open debates are vital for robust democracy.
… But this is an uncommon year in American politics. Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson has already getting close to the political high ground where a third-party candidate is treated as seriously as the nominee of one of the two major parties. And Stein is climbing as well, having just appeared on CNN for a prime-time special highlighting her candidacy. Stein’s progress is significant because, in order to have a real debate in American politics, it is vital to include voices from across the political spectrum.
A debate featuring Democrat Hillary Clinton, Republican Donald Trump, and Johnson would represent an improvement on what we have seen in recent presidential races.
A debate between Clinton, Trump, Johnson, and Stein would represent an even greater improvement.
