Barr: Altervative voices is needed in debates
October 9th, 2008 by Jason PyeBob writes that alternative voice is needed in the final presidential debate:
The presidential and vice-presidential “debates” are awful. The bloviating is excessive; the substance is minimal; and the moderating is bush league.
Virtually no one has been satisfied with the debates so far–except perhaps Barack Obama’s campaign staff. The less substantive and contentious the debate is, and the less interesting the discussion–the better it is for the political front-runner, but not for the American people.
[...[
[T]he biggest failing of the three contests so far is substantive. For all of the noise and fury of the campaign, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain agree more than they disagree. Both support the $2 trillion succession of federal bailouts of anyone remotely connected to Wall Street or the housing industry. Both support an expensive, imperial foreign policy, in which the U.S. subsidizes its wealthy friends and attempts to remake failed societies.
[...]
There is one more debate scheduled, and it desperately needs another voice: An alternative candidate to challenge the false, but shared, assumptions of Senators Obama and McCain. The political establishment has bungled America’s foreign policy and wrecked America’s economy, but refuses to accept responsibility for its mistakes. The conventional wisdom has failed, but the two establishment candidates will talk about nothing else.Add Bob Barr to the upcoming debate and open up its format, and I promise that the American people will enjoy a real debate that is focused on the issues. We will talk about substance, not fluff. And the American people will learn that they do have a genuine choice on November 4th–a candidate committed to making real change in Washington.
October 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
please correct the typo in post title (voice not voices…)
October 9th, 2008 at 11:47 am
.. and the typo in post text (voices not voice)
October 9th, 2008 at 11:56 am
So is there going to be any effort to actually get him involved? Or just arm flailing about how unfair the CPD is?
I realize there are but few options, but we’re getting down to the wire, and there needs to be some grand attempt at getting Bob and the LP in front of voters.
For example: what did the campaign do to try to win the NRA endorsement, above just pointing out to us, his supporters - his choir, if you will - that he should deserve it?
What is the campaign doing to get a foot in the door at the debates, beyond just telling the choir that he should be in them?
I posted
October 9th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Sorry about the last line/sentence fragment - it was below the view when I submitted.
October 9th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Justin…
I know it’s not a while lot, but am continuing the post cards, changed the text up will insert the text at the end of this post. I’m going to be making calls until the day of the debate. Pardon the question if the announcement has been made, but I work nights and just woke up… what did the NRA say (or has it been announced yet)?
Here’s the text for the new salvo of post cards. Sending 5/day now.
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To Whom it may concern…
Are you going to sit back and watch the demise of this Great Country? Both of the ‘Major Candidates’that you are supporting in the debates will drive this country deeper in debt, increase the animosity toward us and increase tensions in foreign relations. Both men voted for the bailout, and within days the Dow Jones lost nearly 1000 points.
John McCain is waiting to use our military so that he can go to war and add some notches to his bed post.
Barack Obama is willing to spend our tax dollars to build or rebuild the economies of Georgia, Afghanistan and Iraq when our own economy is in a deep downward spiral.
Bob Barr has spoken out repeatedly against the bailout that got passed. Wants to decrease the size and scope of the Federal Government and give States the control over issues regarding what happens in their borders.
I am merely asking that you include Bob in this last debate to give the American people a REAL choice in who they want to run this country.
October 9th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
With the present state of our world, in so many ways, at home and abroad; it’s unbelievable that different perspectives are being downplayed.
With the word “Change” being thrown around to the point of absurdity it’s unbelievable that different perspectives–which each represent a multifaceted cross-section of any purported avenues of “Change”–are being virtually ignored.
Etc.
Etc.
Etc.
Bob definitely drops some gems, but sometimes I’m left wanting Bob! Sometimes when you go down a train of thought I’m waiting for you to take it to the next level and it doesn’t happen. Maybe it’s because the interviewers are always interrupting and your screen time is so rushed.
October 9th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Well I think Bob Barr did everything he could do and now it is up us to make enough noise to make a change happen
October 9th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I sure hope Bob Barr attends the Restore The Republic radio debate tonight.
http://www.theywillbeheard.com/
October 9th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hqfWzClM2JZBXGLqe_wM5vLH8nVgD93N4KO...
about 1 hour ago
“Private markets fail, politicians from both parties jump to their rescue, and taxpayers get stuck with the bill. Libertarian candidate Bob Barr couldn’t have scripted a better story line to argue that Republicans and Democrats are interchangeable — with a helpless addiction to spending.”
October 9th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Brian, the NRA endorsed McCain, there’s links to articles on another thread. Needless to say, I’m now boycotting the NRA and I encourage everyone to do the same. The NRA is going to get backlash from this for years to come, and I’m gonna be holding the whip!
In other news: Here’s a link to the Congressional Debate we just had here in Cincinnati. It’s a perfect example of how to run a fair debate that includes more candidates than just (R)s and (D)s.
http://www.wcpo.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=22609
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Sign the Petition to Open the Debates to Third Party Candidates:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/presidential_debates/
Download one of my Bob Barr Flyers and hang them everywhere you can!
BobBarrFlyer.pdf
NotAboveTheLaw.pdf
SpendingAnalyses.pdf
Contact the CPD at (202) 872-1020, ask them to include Bob Barr in the debates.
Visit http://www.lpgeorgia.com/opendebates.php to automatically send an email to over 90 people involved in the debates and ask for Bob Barr to be included.
Go to Zogby Interactive and register for their online polls, when you get polled tell them you will vote for Bob Barr.
Come Join MyLibertySpace: The Social Network For Libertarians.
October 9th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Brian I have been posting a bunch of stuff on my blog as well as here… it is all over people WANT to leave the NRA now.
October 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Someone PLEASE correct the headline “Altervative voices is needed…”
I just donated my $5 today. Have you?
October 9th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Thanks JR, at the time I had just woken up and didnt see the news anywhere.
October 9th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
It seems the majority of people watching the debates are those who have already chosen a swayback, old and tired horse in the race. That’s why there has been no winner in the debates.
I just think if Barr can get in the last debate, it might draw in people who have not watched the debates. Could you imagine people sitting in their living rooms saying, “Who is this Bob Barr dude? Just another crazy fringe candidate.” Then once they hear him out they will be all like, “Wait a minute, this is someone who is on the same wave length as me. He’s the SANE one.”
October 9th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I don’t have any brilliant ideas for getting Barr in the debate but I made a contribution today. To all the folks at the Barr campaign keep your spirits up!
October 9th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Razorback: yes, already donated.
I’d also encourage people who would have been sending dues to the NRA to send that amount to Bob’s campaign.
October 9th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Barr and campaign: Civil disobedience at the next debate please.
Badnarik & Cobb tried and failed, but they had nowhere near the media profile of Barr.
Make a big spectacle out of it. It will get covered. It may be the only interesting thing that happens, so the media will be all over it.
October 9th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
You should be out there on every news agency spreading the need to get in the debates. 4-5 times per day at least. Don’t just complain. Get out there and do it!
October 10th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Mom in Michigan, Kathy…. join us in the phone calls to the CPD, the phone number is 202-872-1020. I’m going to call every day til the day of the last debate. My points when I call are that since the bill passed, (as of yesterday) the Dow Jones dropped a whopping 2040 points. Both Obama and McCain voted to pass the bill to ‘calm the markets’ but the exact opposite has occurred. Are they going to sit in their cushy chairs and watch this country be torn apart by these 2 candidates? When I joined the military many years ago, I swore to:
“support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same”
I just didn’t realize at the time that I would be defending it against presidential candidates.
October 10th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Greetings… As a Bob Barr supporter, you will be interested in the information at these three websites. Liberty for America! Jack
http://news.aol.com/political-machine/straw-poll/
http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/10/09/hot-seat-debate-rules/
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14396.html
October 10th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Has the campaign or anyone else thought of claiming the CPD infringes on the other candidates 1st amendment rights? I think it is terrible when they hold the debate at an institution that receives tax dollars such as a University, at they don’t include everyone! Has Barr though of just buying a ticket and being in the audience? Sounds like a stunt, but that is all we have seen for a month now on TV! Just a couple of thoughts.
October 10th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
One other idea, how about suggesting to the Obama campaign that it would draw votes from the conservative end of the GOP. We should go on Obama’s website and suggest this several times.
October 10th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Mom in Michigan…. forgot to mention the post cards that we are working as well. That is at the bottom of the list of things that we have come up with posted below.
Randy has also made a flier, I forgot to insert the link in the text that I saved for reposts. Randy, would you mind reposting the link for the next few days and I will add it to mine.
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Those of you that havent done so, please do the following 4 things that will hopefully help get the word out that we want Bob Barr included in the upcoming Presidential Debate (the last one is Oct 15th). It’s time that they change the ‘qualifications’ to include candidates that are on enough State ballots to win the election. Not just the 2 biggest and most popular political parties.
Sign the debate petition found at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/presidential_debates/ All you need to do is put your name (unless you choose to remain Anonymous) and email address, then click on the submit button.
The next thing is to go to this link http://www.lpgeorgia.com/opendebates.php and put your name and email address on a pre typed, professional letter that will be sent to approximately 90 individuals involved in the planning of the debates. Along with copies being sent to the McBama campaigns.
The last thing is to call the Commission on Presidential Debates and state your desire to have the REAL voice of America be heard. The idea is to flood their offices with so many calls that they will have to know that ‘We the People’ are tired of the status quo. The number is (202) 872-1020
The newest idea is to flood the CPD offices with postcards demanding (in a professional way) that Bob Barr be added to the Debates. The address is:
Commission on Presidential Debates
1200 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
October 10th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Mom in Michigan…. forgot to mention the post cards that we are working as well. That is at the bottom of the list of things that we have come up with posted below.
Randy has also made a flier to be faxed to the CPD, I forgot to insert the link in the text that I saved for reposts when he first made it accessible. Randy, would you mind reposting the link for the next few days and I will add it to mine.
———————————————–
Those of you that havent done so, please do the following 4 things that will hopefully help get the word out that we want Bob Barr included in the upcoming Presidential Debate (the last one is Oct 15th). It’s time that they change the ‘qualifications’ to include candidates that are on enough State ballots to win the election. Not just the 2 biggest and most popular political parties.
Sign the debate petition found at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/presidential_debates/ All you need to do is put your name (unless you choose to remain Anonymous) and email address, then click on the submit button.
The next thing is to go to this link http://www.lpgeorgia.com/opendebates.php and put your name and email address on a pre typed, professional letter that will be sent to approximately 90 individuals involved in the planning of the debates. Along with copies being sent to the McBama campaigns.
The last thing is to call the Commission on Presidential Debates and state your desire to have the REAL voice of America be heard. The idea is to flood their offices with so many calls that they will have to know that ‘We the People’ are tired of the status quo. The number is (202) 872-1020
The newest idea is to flood the CPD offices with postcards demanding (in a professional way) that Bob Barr be added to the Debates. The address is:
Commission on Presidential Debates
1200 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
October 10th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Brad, I’ve already tried to sway the Obama campaign with that argument. Obama is obviously scared Bob will eat him for lunch in the debates or else he would have jumped all over the opportunity to take votes away from McCain. Or the (R)s and (D)s have a secret pact that they will discriminate against all third parties regardless of potential strategic advantages.
October 10th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I spoke with a lawyer friend and fellow Libertarian and we are looking at the feasibility of suing the CPD either on behalf of the party or as a private citizen. We are looking at first amendment issues for the grounds to file. We are also looking at the discrimination end as well. I believe they have infringed on the candidates right to free speech, possibly might free speech rights as well in blocking my ability to hear other opinions. I will get back to you after my friend researches it.
October 10th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Brad how about equal time laws?
October 10th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
We are just looking at The CPD violating the 1st amendment. I am not familiar with equal time laws. I guess this won’t be much help this election cycle, but it could make a diference in the future.
October 12th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
How about a nationally televised (or radio broadcast), 10 second ad featuring Clint Eastwood that says, “The Bailout Boys are making me sick. Go ahead punks, make my day . . .debate Bob Barr!”
October 12th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Doug, that would be cool.
October 12th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
This reminds me of how one small wrestling show… went to Wrestlemania this past year, had a big screen up, showing clips of theri show, and people talking to the crowd(waiting outside) and giving out freebies(merchandise, with their logo on it.. TNA wrestling)….and such.
Not sure if it boosted their ratings..but even one guy on the net(Wrestlemania.wrestler, who remained anonymous told a guy)” I surprised they didn’t set up a small ring and put on a free show, to really get people interested into watching their show, even if just once”
Why not put on a free-pre-debate “show”(with volunteers maybe handing out tri-fold brochures on Mr Barr, maybe some bumper stickers, talking to folks, at a booth..near by, etc? Is it illegal?). Maybe mr Barr himself, could be out talking to folks(if they wish) with volunteers?
Or, even set up that big screen with Mr Barr on his talking points ,about him vs Big 2…with speakers you can hear for maybe a 1/10 to 1/5th of a mile(depends on noise laws, etc, in the area)?
Not sure what crowd sizes would be, or if it would garner media attention, etc…but.. as much as the media ignores( I am talking Network tv….not cable..cable has shown Mr. Barrr on some shows…Network tv? Months ago..July?, I caught 2 minutes of him on George Stephanoplis (sp?)show, on Sunday..that’s it,,Nothng More).
Volunteers, maybe sign holders? I don’t know.
I still wish the campaign would consider(or could afford?) either the weekend before voting… a 3 day USA today ad.. or a good 60-90 spot, commercial… say on Nightly News(ABC, I read, has 6-8 Million viewers, vs what.. cable tv shows get 1/2 million, 1 million viewers watching news at any given moment?).
That’s a lot more people….
Anyhow.. how much would a 90 second commercial cost…(use youtubes, soemthing.. to save money. splice the good quotes together, and Obama/McCain = same stuff).
Do this for 3 nights, perhaps…or 1 night..if that’s all that can be afforded( I read on one of Bob’s Blogs, iirc, when Obama talked abotu MCCains’ 550 dollar shoes, and McCain ran an ad about is he patriotic, or whatever… this Summer. Iirc, Mr Barr said these ran a week, and cost 1 Million dollars, each? 1-2 night spots…if this Million dollar quote, for 7 days(?)…100,0000-300,000 dollars? Same price for USA Today ad..but that would be seen by millions, too).
I dunno.
Just vote for Mr Barr.
Most people I talk to(inlaws) told me they agree with Mr Barr, but “we need more govt, to help with bailouts”( they’re voting 4 Obama, btw).
Some folks Need govt..it seems.. cradle to grave?
Anyhow.. talk to folks, and vote.
Barr’ 08
DAV
October 12th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
LJ, again, an awesome idea.. can picture it now. A small stage outside the debate, with a live feed from the debate on large tv screens.. and Bob doing the same thing that he did with Reason, but with a larger crowd that are mainly Obama/McCain followers. The only challenge I can come up with so far (other than the legal part of the set-up) would be security once the mob figures out that the debate is about another candidate that didn’t get in instead of one of the Big 2. But that can be taken care of pretty easily. Maybe put a sign in front of the stage…. ‘They wouldn’t let Bob Barr in the debates, so I brought my debate to them’ or something like that.