NPR: Kucinich Wins Right to be Part of Nevada Debate

Kucinich Wins Right to be Part of Nevada Debate

No Dennis, no debate.

That's what a judge ruled this evening, saying that if Rep. Dennis Kucinich was not included in Tuesday's Democratic debate in Nevada, then he would issue an injunction to prevent it from taking place. Senior Clark County District Court Judge Charles Thompson sided with Kucinich, who says debate host MSNBC at first invited him to take part and then told him last week he couldn't.

The judge called it a matter of fairness and said Nevada voters will benefit if they hear from more than just Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards.

A lawyer for the network said that MSNBC decided to only go with the top three candidates after the Iowa and New Hampshire results. The debate will take place tomorrow night at 9 pm EST.

And just a reminder. NPR won't be holding a debate with the Republican challengers Wednesday night in South Carolina. We canceled the debate after it became clear that not enough of the candidates would be able to take part because of other time commitments.

8:31 PM ET | 01-14-2008 | permalink

Comments

Now if we can only get enough judges interested in the concept of fairness, especially on the Supreme Court, maybe it will overturn its 1976 decision that equates funding political campaigns with free "speech."

Ever since, it seems like certain corporate interests and a lot of wealthy individuals have been "talking" much louder than other Americans. It seems a little unfair and even a trifle oligarchic.

Paul - originalfaith.com

Sent by Paul M Martin | 8:44 PM ET | 01-14-2008

Is there a way to help Dennis Kucinich win this nomination???? Will her be an Independent candidate? I'd certainly vote for him!

Sent by Christina Daly | 9:41 PM ET | 01-14-2008

Can you imagine what it will be like to have a debate with the voice of truth back in the show? I hope with all my heart and soul that our democracy actually will be working on all gears tomorrow night and I will hear the voice of my first choice, Dennis Kucinich. Long live democracy!!! Go Dennis Kucinich!!!

Sent by Tina Lazar | 10:20 PM ET | 01-14-2008

Kucinich has a national campaign that has been marginizalized by the media, including NPR, who are only concerned with the PR jockeying of "front-runners" in a horse race, rather than dialogue that affects and shapes our democracy. Kucinich contributes grandly to the national discourse. Who knows, with fair exposure he might do better. That's what debates are for. His views are a breath of fresh air and debates will be all the better for his inclusion.
What is NBC afraid of? Upsetting its insurance company advertisers by giving voice to someone who wants to reduce their profits and influence?

Sent by Scott | 10:23 PM ET | 01-14-2008

From my understanding, MSNBC will argue that the judge in the State of Nevada has no jurisdiction over the debate, which is to be held in Nevada. Hmmm. It doesn't seem right to me that a Nevada judge can't rule on something that will happen in his state.

Sent by Deb | 10:33 PM ET | 01-14-2008

The American electoral process is perverted when media sponsors are allowed to exclude civic groups and the candidates they promote for Presidential election debate coverage.

Sent by witherspoon | 12:48 AM ET | 01-15-2008

Quite frankily, NPR is not credible any more. I am not convinced (& thats just me)that the candidates are not willing to give themselves an apportunity for free air speech & reach out to voters.Its like a CEO walks of his job to "spend more time with family", hahahaha.
There must be other reasons.There is a trust issues between NPR & listeners.

Sent by resimc | 2:33 AM ET | 01-15-2008

a reminder that some democracy is still around.

Sent by resimc | 3:58 AM ET | 01-15-2008

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
Please send me updates from NPR.	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

Tom Regan

Blogger

About Us

This year's election cycle has been one of the most exciting in memory. At the NPR News Blog we'll do our best to bring you interesting, informative -- and controversial -- stories from our own reporters and bloggers, as well as the rest of the best of the Internet and blogosphere. And we hope you'll let us know what you think as well.

Want to learn more? Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions and our discussion guidelines.