To whom this may concern,I am writing in regards to the exclusion of Senator Mike Gravel from the October 30th Democratic debate in Philadelphia. I have read that Mr. Gravel will not be allowed to participate because he did not meet fund-raising and polling requirements. This is yet another prime example of how money continues to corrupt our political system. This is not government by the people, it’s government by the people with money.To exclude a presidential candidate from a presidential debate is baffling to me. How does this allow the voting public to make an informed decision about who they feel would be the best candidate for president? Aren’t these debates publicized on national television to allow the public to hear each candidates stance on issues? Aren’t they done to help the voting public make an informed decision about who they will support for president? Or, are they merely protocol? In a democracy where the power to make decisions, especially for presidential elections, should be vested in the people, how can you take away our right to hear what every candidate has to say. The amount of money a candidate raises tells us nothing about how well that candidate would perform in office so let us hear what every candidate, including Senator Mike Gravel, has to say; allow us to choose the best candidate to lead our country. Please allow Senator Gravel to participate in the October 30th, 2007 Democratic debate in Philadelphia.-A concerned individual
I love Gravel. He is the only candidate that tells the truth and is not afraid to be honest about the current state of this country. Just because he isn't popular doesn't mean he doesn't deserve our votes and support. He deserves it all the more! Stand up for what you believe in. That's our only chance!
There is no reason that he should be discluded from this debate. He has a chance at winning the primary nomination to become president therefore his views should be heard at all debates he wishes to attend. As well as all candidates.
I believe that in order for a fair democratic system to work Gravel should be able to attend the debate. For how else could we claim it to be democratic, besides, it should make thins a bit more interesting.
Senator Mike Gravel is never given the respect that he deserves. Even when he is asked to attend the debates, he is given significantly less air time and is often cut off before he can fully answer his question. The mainstream candidates all change their opinions to follow what the mainstream wants to hear. Stay true to a real candidate and vote for Mike Gravel.
Even though he is not a front-runner, he is the only candidate talking straight on the issues. His points need to be brought to the attention of the general American public so our elected bland candidates can actually be compelled to do something for once.
I am ashamed of America and their idea of an election. this is not a high school prom king or queen contest! I would like to see any other candidate talk for an hour to google as openly as Mike Gravel!VIVA GRAVEL!!
As he has a starkly different and tremendously constructive voice regarding foreign policy, he MUST be heard by this country--aren't people getting tired of listening to more of the same anyway?? Let him speak!
Let Gravel speak! Even if I didn't support this candidate, and I do, he should still be allowed to debate and alloted an equal amount of time as the other candidates to speak!
How dare the DNC and MSNBC exclude Mike Gravel from the October 30th debate! This is outrageous, and completely unfair. Let Mr. Gravel be included in the debate. What's the matter, is the DNC and MSNBC afraid that he is going to speak the real truth about how screwed up everything is in this country? Let Mike speak for god sake!!
How can you call this a democracy if Americans can't even hear all of the candidates speak? I find it appalling that Mike Gravel won't be able to speak in this debate.
I have recently read that the DNC and MSNBC have excluded Former Alaskan Senator Mike Gravel from the upcoming debate on October 30th. Frankly, this appalls me. I feel very strongly about allowing all candidates to express their views to the American public and your exclusion of the Senator, to be honest, infuriates me. Thousands of people have donated to his campaign and supported him through his candidacy, yet you exclude him. I can assure you that many viewers will be tuning out with the absence of Sen. Gravel. Sen. Gravel has the potential to be a Ralph Nader-esque candidate in the election, should he decide to run as an independent. However, he will not if you allow him in the debates and other activities. Exclusion is not the answer. Please contact me with any question. I am very upset with your exclusion and urge you to invite him to the debate, and quickly.Send similar letters to DNC and MSNBC!
