Ron Paul’s exclusion explained…
The AP has a story on the upcoming Republican forum on FNC and has an explanation for why some candidates were excluded…
The network said it had limited space in its studio — a souped-up bus — and that it invited candidates who had received double-digit support in recent polls.
Don’t forget ABC is excluding Paul ALSO
Comment by Kirk G — January 1, 2008 @ 9:06 pm
Kirk,
No ABC is making the invites conditional on the outcome of Iowa. Well, actually, that’s not totally correct either. ABC listed several criteria and said any candidate that could meet any one of them would be included. Ron Paul already met two of them. If they changed the rules, I haven’t heard that yet. At any rate, if they keep their baseline at the results of Iowa (which I don’t agree with either, but at least seems a little bit more fair) then Ron Paul will be there.
The difference is that Fox News says Ron Paul will NOT be there, no matter what. Even if he places first in Iowa. Huge difference, and hence why Fox news is going to get their a$$es handed to them by Ron Paul’s supporters. If they actually believed their rhetoric that his support was small, well, they severely underestimated us. I knew they made the claim, but I didn’t think they actually BELIEVED it!
Comment by James A. — January 2, 2008 @ 12:05 am
What we do to Fox will just be a warning to ABC, anyway… they will be next if they did indeed change their rules.
This move by Fox isn’t only making Ron Paul’s supporters angry, it is an outrage to ANYONE that believes the media has too much influence over our elections and has now crossed the line. Indeed they have.
Comment by James A. — January 2, 2008 @ 12:07 am
It would be better to have ALL candidates in a forum/debate. That’s only fair, really.
However, wouldn’t Ron Paul’s numbers be tracking about as well as, say, Carol Moseley Braun in 2004? (Points to anyone who can remember her without Wikipedia)
Comment by Charles — January 2, 2008 @ 12:32 am
Just another way the media controls too many things in this country.
Comment by Aaron — January 2, 2008 @ 2:45 am
Not just Ron Paul. My guy Duncan Hunter is being left out as well!
Since the media isn’t covering these two, their only chance at garnering more support is during these debates. THAT is why it’s a big deal!
Comment by Missy — January 2, 2008 @ 9:24 am
“…hence why Fox news is going to get their a$$es handed to them by Ron Paul’s supporters.” -James A. — January 2, 2008 @ 12:05 am
“What we do to Fox will just be a warning to ABC…” - James A. — January 2, 2008 @ 12:07 am
See… this is why I have trouble taking the Ron Paul fans seriously. A lot of this immature threatening that will eventually result in… nothing. I mean, really… what do you guys think they’re going to do that’s going to scare them? Stop watching? Protest? Post angry messages on blogs? Yeah… join the club.
After reading some comments here and around the web, I’m convinced Paul’s support comes from a large group of people who think they’re the Incredible Hulk…
“You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry!” they call chant at FOX.
FOX yawns… while the rest of the country says, “Ru Paul’s running for president?”
Comment by ImNotBlue — January 2, 2008 @ 10:01 am
Thank you, Mr. Blue.
Comment by laural — January 2, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
James,
I hope you and other Ron Paul supporters mean what you say because every little bit helps the cause. Remember that when fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in a flag, carrying a cross with Fox News leading the charge.
Comment by elmonica — January 2, 2008 @ 5:17 pm