I didn't watch the recent Democrat debate from Las Vegas. (hoping to catch a re-broadcast) I did however catch this little tid-bit out of the corner of my ear yesterday.

From the Huffington Post.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich won't be taking part in MSNBC's debate in Las Vegas on Tuesday. It certainly won't be the first time that Kucinich was excluded from a recent Democratic debate. But the difference is Kucinich was initially invited, and had met the criteria, for the MSNBC debate. Then, MSNBC changed the criteria and told Kucinich he was uninvited

...a Kucinich press release... said that 44 hours after Kucinich got a congratulatory letter and invite from NBC to the Nevada debate, they notified him of their changed criteria, and his exclusion.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the original criteria for the debate called for the inclusion of the top four democratic candidates in national polling. With Bill Richardson dropping out of the race last week, that moved Kucinich to fourth place in polls. NBC decided to change the criteria, featuring the top three Dem. candidates: Sen. Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Sen. Barack Obama.

I'll admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for the little guy. A part of me would also love to see his super hot, tongue pierced, Essex girl wife as First Lady. He also displays a level of idealism that appeals to my "stirring up the shit" personality. I don't, however, feel that he is a viable candidate for this election. Perhaps with some more experience in international politics, a little thought in and toning down of his more theatrical endeavors and a little practice at not making some really bone head mistakes he could jump back into the ring next time around.

All that being said, he still deserves a chance to participate if he meets the initial parameters for participating in the debate. With Richardson pulling out, he met that criteria. I suppose what disturbs me the most is the unabashed move by NBC/GE to dictate who we get to hear from.

Artpie is happy he still has some time to make up his mind on who to vote for but doesn't take kindly to folks trying to make it up for him.

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MSNBC to Kucinich, "Hey dude, you're totally invited... NOT!"

artpie

Winston Salem, NC

December 2003

JAN 17, 2008 05:54 AM