Slashdot Mirror
Libertarians Lose Case to Block Presidential Debate
PMoonlite writes "As a followup to the previous Slashdot story, the judge ruled in favor of the Commission on Presidential Debates, refusing a restraining order on the basis of the doctrine of laches (unfairness due to delay of suit) and public interest, but allowing the Libertarians the possibility of seeking damages. So the debate will go forth at Arizona State University with only two of the three candidates on the state ballot."
Michael Moore? Is that you!?! ;)...
I for one am glad this suit did not interrupt the debates.
The bottom line is that none of the third-party candidates have a snowball's chance in hell of winning, and the outcome of this election is too important to further muddy the waters. For those of you who don't think there is much difference between Kerry and Bush, don't even bother replying, but a lot more of us recognize that this will probably be the most important election in our lifetime. That various twit third-parties want to create a repeat of the last election's mess where a candidate that had no chance of winning critically upsets the balance, is really disturbing. As disturbing as Nader claiming there was "no difference between Gore and Bush."
I would like to see third parties be allowed in the debates. I would like to see extensive reform of the system, but not this cycle. There's too much on the line, and all the alternative candidates who are exploiting the current scenario instead of endorsing Kerry are showing how completely short-sighted and self-absorbed they are... nobody is more disgustingly representative of such selfishness as the infamous Mr. Nader.
I like much of the agenda of some of the third parties, but I will be taking names and notes on the selfish candidates who show their true colors by trying to compete in this current election when they have no chance. Their political career will be over, just like Nader's.
Third party candidates should drop out in 2004 and prepare for 2008. The way things are going, if they screw up this election, there's a much greater chance many of us may not see 2008, much less feel very free or democratic.