BTM Presidential Debate

[CUnknown]

Like many in the Ron Paul camp, I've been struggling with who to vote for in the general election. Unlike many in the Ron Paul camp, I lean liberal and have been considering Ralph Nader (indep.) and Cynthia McKinney (Green party) as well as Bob Barr. I have concerns with all of these candidates, and what I'd like most of all is to see them have a rational debate on the issues. I know that they won't be invited to the "real" debates (with the hopeful exception of Bob Barr, *crosses fingers*) -- and I also know that such a debate probably wouldn't qualify as impartial and rational, heh.

But, now Break the Matrix is providing us with independent media, an alternative to the traditional outlets, right? I really believe that one of the most important shows they could have right now is a Presidential Debate where everyone is invited, imagine that! If it could be done, it would be a huge draw to lots of people who probably don't even know about BTM -- all the people who support those little 3rd parties, Green, Constitution, Populist ... invite everyone who meets certain very limited criteria. And then give them mostly even time, although it could be slanted slightly in favor of the Libertarian and Constitution parties, given that they are the two most people watching would be trying to decide between.

It could be advertised on YouTube, and no doubt would generate tons of hits for BTM on the day of the debate.

This would probably be a challenge to pull off, but if done right, I think it would be wonderful for BTM and also would help the community, giving us valuable information about the candidates.

So, what do you think? Would you watch?

If anyone from BTM can comment on the feasibility of this idea, I'd like to hear. Can BTM pull it off? Do we think the candidates would agree to show up (even if they were just "live" by webcam)?

[yongrel]

I don't think BTM can pull it off, so sue me.

[constituent]

back again?

don't they have a forum over there you could pose this question to?

[Kludge]

I don't think BTM can pull it off, so sue me.

+1... I'd imagine a couple third party/independent candidates would agree and then back out when they realize the audience will be nearly non-existent - not enough to justify their time spent at least...

[brandon]

Why all the negativity? This is a great idea. I would love to see this happen, and I'm sure it could draw a large audience. I bet the debate could even get some novelty mentions in the MSM.

I have a feeling Barr wont attend though.

[CUnknown]

I posted this on both sites, just to get the idea out there and hear responses. This one is far more active than the BTM site.

I know this idea has only a very small chance of becoming reality, but honestly I can't decide who to vote for and I think a debate would really help me, personally. I imagine there are many others whom the debate would help, too.

And, brandonyates, if you're right that the MSM would give the debate novelty mention, that's a win on a whole different level for 3rd parties and BTM. I really think more people would watch than some of the other responders think, and definitely hits on BTM would spike if given MSM attention, novelty or no.

But, yeah, can BTM pull it off, and would the candidates attend? Those are big questions.

[yongrel]

But, yeah, can BTM pull it off, and would the candidates attend? Those are big questions.

No, and no.

I wonder how long it will take for my buddy Rick Williams to come over here...

[Sally08]

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showpost.php?p=1444534&postcount=1

Note that the above thread was locked.

http://www.dailypaul.com/node/48471
Posted May 9th, 2008 by SGP

OUR NEW PROJECT. We are going to hold the very first LIVE internet multi party debate. 2 candidates have agreed.

Given the quality of coverage of the DC March by both BTM and RB, as well as many other obvious "technical difficulties", why would any *Presidential* candidate on a busy campaign trail commit to such a debate that might not happen?

Also, would the moderator's questions be neutral or would the questions be intended to harm the candidate's credibility, as was done in RP's debates?

For some reason, Revolution Broadcasting never followed through on this "new project".

[IRO-bot]

Don't you mean Dr. Steve Parent? :rolleyes: seriously.....

I didn't even know BTM was still around. Nobody talks about them anymore. I thought they were gone off into the void.
I never much liked the Trevor took all the credit for something he had only a small part in. All to his personal gain. But hey..... :p

[constituent]

Don't you mean Dr. Steve Parent? :rolleyes: seriously.....

I didn't even know BTM was still around. Nobody talks about them anymore. I thought they were gone off into the void.
I never much liked the Trevor took all the credit for something he had only a small part in. All to his personal gain. But hey..... :p

socialist wealth envy-er.

[IRO-bot]

socialist wealth envy-er.

eh?

[constituent]

eh?

sorry, forgot the


</sarcasm>

[CUnknown]

I didn't know that it had been presented before, and I'm sorry that it never got off the ground.

However, that doesn't mean that it still couldn't. Why would the candidates agree to something that may or may not happen? Well, they wouldn't, heh. The feasibility of the thing would have to be determined in advance. If not BTM, then perhaps some other format/organization could take it up, potentially Democracy Now or some other independent media organization.

[constituent]

Democracy Now or some other independent media organization.

uhhhh...

there aren't any noteworthy independent media organizations.

democracy now, though i often enjoy the interviews most certainly is not indepedent either. don't let the poor quality streaming and the conveniently timed "omg, for some strange reason we lost the feed right at the most important part (it must have been the bush admin since we're enemies of the state)..." act fool you.

[CUnknown]

In what way is Democracy Now not independent? I mean, independent of the major political parties and the corporations.

[Sally08]

I didn't even know BTM was still around. Nobody talks about them anymore. I thought they were gone off into the void.
I never much liked the Trevor took all the credit for something he had only a small part in. All to his personal gain. But hey..... :p

You have just indicated your RPFs viewing habits.:D

If you log in and use "New Posts", you would have seen major threads on BTM, particularly in the July 11-12-13 timeframe related to the DC March.

The reason you are not seeing them, presumably, is that almost all have been moved to Hot Topics or The Vent forums, so you only see them if you log in and know to look there.

There have been extensive threads about both BTM and RB, each time either one does something that someone starts a thread about on RPfs and/or DP.

They both have supporters and detractors, so the threads end up moved and frequently locked.

[IRO-bot]

You have just indicated your RPFs viewing habits.:D

If you log in and use "New Posts", you would have seen major threads on BTM, particularly in the July 11-12-13 timeframe related to the DC March.

The reason you are not seeing them, presumably, is that almost all have been moved to Hot Topics or The Vent forums, so you only see them if you log in and know to look there.

There have been extensive threads about both BTM and RB, each time either one does something that someone starts a thread about on RPfs and/or DP.

They both have supporters and detractors, so the threads end up moved and frequently locked.

That is wonderful. Can I ask you a question about BTM? Why has their moneybombs been epic fails in comparision to the original grassroots bombs?

I must admit I don't visit the Hot Topics or Vent forums much. Although I do get a kick out of a few threads out there. Mostly the Dr. Steve Parent is a convicted felon and there was one about a man who had his children abducted by the state and he was runing for office?!?! Funny stuff.

[constituent]

In what way is Democracy Now not independent? I mean, independent of the major political parties and the corporations.

well we can start by a quick examination of their primary funding source's (the ford foundation) board of trustees

from sourcewatch.org

Trustees
Paul Arthur Allaire, Chairman of the Board

Alain J.P. Belda, Chairman/CEO, Alcoa Inc.

Afsaneh M. Beschloss, President/CEO, Carlyle Asset Management Group

Anke A. Ehrhardt, Director, HIV Ctr for Clinical and Behavioral Studies NY State Psychiatric Institute

Kathryn S. Fuller, Ex-President/CEO, World Wildlife Fund (as of 2005), now Director of Alcoa

Juliet V. Garcia, President, University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College

Wilmot G. James, Executive Director, Social Cohesion and Integration Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa

Yolanda Kakabadse, Executive President, Fundacion Futuro Latinoamericano, Quito, Ecuador

Wilma P. Mankiller, Former Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation, Park Hill, Oklahoma

Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Yolanda T. Moses, President, The American Association for Higher Education

Luis G. Nogales, Managing Partner, Nogales Investors, LLC, Los Angeles, California

Deval L. Patrick, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, The Coca-Cola Company

Ratan N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Industries Limited, Mumbai, India

Carl B. Weisbrod, President, Alliance for Downtown New York, Inc.

W. Richard West, Director, National Museum of the American Indian

Susan V. Berresford, President, The Ford Foundation

[IRO-bot]

well we can start by a quick examination of their primary funding source's (the ford foundation) board of trustees

from sourcewatch.org

Trustees
Paul Arthur Allaire, Chairman of the Board

Alain J.P. Belda, Chairman/CEO, Alcoa Inc.

Afsaneh M. Beschloss, President/CEO, Carlyle Asset Management Group

Anke A. Ehrhardt, Director, HIV Ctr for Clinical and Behavioral Studies NY State Psychiatric Institute

Kathryn S. Fuller, Ex-President/CEO, World Wildlife Fund (as of 2005), now Director of Alcoa

Juliet V. Garcia, President, University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College

Wilmot G. James, Executive Director, Social Cohesion and Integration Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa

Yolanda Kakabadse, Executive President, Fundacion Futuro Latinoamericano, Quito, Ecuador

Wilma P. Mankiller, Former Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation, Park Hill, Oklahoma

Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Yolanda T. Moses, President, The American Association for Higher Education

Luis G. Nogales, Managing Partner, Nogales Investors, LLC, Los Angeles, California

Deval L. Patrick, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, The Coca-Cola Company

Ratan N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Industries Limited, Mumbai, India

Carl B. Weisbrod, President, Alliance for Downtown New York, Inc.

W. Richard West, Director, National Museum of the American Indian

Susan V. Berresford, President, The Ford Foundation

Thanks for the sources. Pisses you off how corrupted everything is. Maybe the CFL will come up with something.

[ItsTime]

they couldnt even cover the march better than justin.tv could cover ron paul speeches.

[CUnknown]

Even Sourcewatch calls Democracy Now "independent", though. It's important not to give the word such a high standard that it becomes impossible to live up to. If they don't have ads or don't have any official ties to corporate or governmental power, then they're independent. :)

[constituent]

If they don't have ads or don't have any official ties to corporate or governmental power, then they're independent. :)

uhhhh... Pres. Bush doesn't have any official ties to the Carlyle Group either.

the ford foundation didn't officially play a role in the c.i.a.'s coup in chile either, not officially.

[CUnknown]

We're just using a different definition of the word. I am using the definition of 'independent' that is commonly used when referring to media organizations. Admittedly, that doesn't mean that they are absolutely not affected at all by anyone outside themselves. But, I'm not interested in that level of independence, and I don't think that most people are, either.