I just learned that CNN, WMUR TV and the New Hampshire Union Leader decided to block Sen. Mike Gravel from participating in their June 3rd debate. While I support John Edwards I feel that voices such as Sen. Gravel, Rep. Dennis Kucinich and others deserve and need to be heard and need to be included in the conversation. Please sign my petition, addressed to the publisher of the Union Leader, urging Sen. Gravel's inclusion in the June 3rd debate. I feel that this is tantamount to media censorship of our choices and our media (which has already made some very questionable decisions thus far) should be called on it. This is a step toward holding the media accountable and a step toward more free, fair elections. Link below the fold:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/...
Excerpt from Sen. Gravel's statement:
"When the statement says that I have not demonstrated measurable public support, it reveals an abysmal ignorance of the dynamics of political campaigns that is truly hard to believe originated in such important media institutions. It is common knowledge that polling numbers at the outset of a campaign,ten months before the first of many state elections reflect little more than name recognition and are simply not measures of public support. This does not mean that other candidates do not have some public following but rather that such support has not been tested by the crucible of a long campaign in which these supporters are given a chance to assess other options. The only accurate measure of public support is election-day. Finally, for what it is worth,I have, in a recent Harris poll improved my standing from February to March and exceed, in one test, one of my rivals for the nomination who I believe has been invited to the New Hampshire debate".