Email from Bob Barr's Campaign Manager

Dear David,

This past Friday, I wrote to you regarding our attempt to be included in the Saturday event held at Saddleback Church featuring both Senators John McCain and Barack Obama.

Barack Obama received one full hour during his interview.

The same for John McCain.

The Libertarian Presidential nominee, now on the ballot in 38 states, received no time during this nationally televised event.

That is because late Friday evening, U.S. District Court Judge David Carter denied our request to be included in the event.

His reasoning? I'll let Judge Carter explain in his own words:

"Plaintiffs will lose out on a fair amount of exposure and the opportunity to express their views in a popular forum. On the other hand, halting this event would deny the other candidates the opportunity to be heard and would deprive the public of an opportunity to see the candidates and hear their views.

"Forcing Saddleback to include another candidate at the last moment could cause serious logistical problems and take away from the presentations of other candidate. This might well disrupt the planned presentation."

Judge Carter closed by saying:

Barr and Root "will have many other opportunities in the coming months to express their views and make their candidacy known."

When I first read that report, I'll admit I was a bit hot under the collar. In response to the Judge Carter's final comment, I angrily said to myself, "Name one!"

I've been through this before with the Perot campaign. In 1992, my candidate was included in all three presidential debates. In 1996, the opposite occurred.

What was the difference between the two runs?

After our success in '92, the powers that be decided that it would never happen again.

Since Ross Perot's inclusion in the debates, no third-party or independent candidate has even come close to taking a place behind the debate podium.

And for the past 16 years, the two-major parties have been on a wildly-successful streak of keeping out competition by holding the debate stage all to themselves.

Call me a bit grumpy over the matter, but I think it's time that we break that winning streak by getting Bob Barr into the national debates.

I don't think that I stand alone on this issue.

As a matter of fact, I know that I'm not alone. You agree with me and that's a good start, but a report that I read late Friday night led me to believe that we can do a bit better.

According to the polling firm, Zogby International, a MAJORITY of Americans want Bob Barr included in the national debates!

The poll showed that 55% of likely voters want Bob Barr included in the debates. Of the respondents, 69% of independents felt that Bob Barr deserves a place in the debate, while 52% of Democrats and even 50% of Republicans agreed.

You, me, and a majority of Americans want Bob Barr taking the stage next month with John McCain and Barack Obama.

You, me, and a majority of Americans . . . that's not too bad now is it?

David, we can make this happen.

I need your aggressive support from now until Election Day.

I need your contributions - as much as you can give.

I need you to spread the word far-and-wide about our candidate.

Finally, our nation - and especially the national media - needs to witness an avalanche of support made possible by a dedicated group of Americans who truly love liberty and will fight to get it back.

David, we will make this happen.

Only a few short weeks remain until the Commission on Presidential Debates begins their "selection process" for candidates.

Donate, Spread the Word, Make Noise. Do not wait for orders from headquarters.

I appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Russell Verney
Campaign Manager

P.S. Here's a link to the Zogby poll that was released on Friday night. I hope you are as excited by it as I was. If so, please consider making a donation today and if you haven't already, visit our online store so that you can visibly show your support to friends and neighbors.

To donate by mail:

Barr 2008 Presidential Committee
P.O. Box 725007
Atlanta, GA 31139

To donate by phone:

Call 1-800-Bob-Barr

Paid for by Barr 2008 Presidential Committee.

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