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PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES:
SELECTION CRITERIA CONCERNS
Date: January 17, 2000
To: Commission on Presidential Debates
I am concerned about the selection criteria your organization has chosen for access to these most important debates. No one would argue that those chosen must at least be eligible for the office. It is also reasonable to include only those who are on enough state ballots to at least have a mathematical chance of being elected. It is the third criteria which is of concern; that they have "electoral support" of at least 15% as determined by five national polling organizations.
This third criteria is extremely vague. You do not specify how these polling organizations are to conduct the polls or what constitutes "electoral support". If asked "Would you vote for candidate X?" a person might give a completely different answer than if asked "Would you like to hear candidate X in a national debate?". For the purposes of a debate voter interest may be more relevant than voter "support".
As you know many voters are unfamiliar with the platforms of candidates who may be viable but lack the funding or major-party support to get widespread media attention. With no knowledge of these candidates a voter may make a quick, uninformed decision when answering a poll. It is entirely possible that he would give a different answer having heard all the candidates' positions. Often it is at these debates where we voters get our first look at the candidates and their positions on the issues.
Your mission statement says your organization is non-partisan and committed to voter education and outreach. In keeping with that mission it makes sense to include as many candidates from as many different parties as possible in these debates. Be sure that your selection criteria does not exclude viable candidates who may have a large voter interest because of flawed polling methods. Your goal of voter education would surely be ill-served in that case.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Eric C. Larsen
Computer Consultant
Idaho Falls, ID
EricLarsen@rmci.net
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