Comments on: SCGOP debate trims field before first question is asked

By: Get over the flag. Now for the GOP debate. at

Get over the flag. Now for the GOP debate. at — Tue, 01 May 2007 02:20:33 +0000

[…] We posted earlier this week the criteria for candidates to take part in the South Carolina presidential debate.Â We think that this criteria could lead to the symbolic end to a few of the campaigns. […]

By: Roy

Roy — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:30:26 +0000

If a candidate pays the $25000 filing fee he should be allowed to debate. How about Fred Thompson? He polled 9% in Lexington , I think he should be invited.
It is true that the Dems put on a press conference but they let all the candidates participate. Are we going to pick and choose? If “the powers that be” get to choose why even have a debate? Just let the “wheels” anoint someone.

By: Beauregard

Beauregard — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:00:03 +0000

I agree with that, fully. Why does Fox News reserve the right to determine who debates just because they are broadcasting the debate? Since the SC GOP is hosting the debate, the ultimate decision regarding participants should be int he hands of the SC GOP - not Fox News.

By: "Will" Paladin72@aol.com

"Will" Paladin72@aol.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 21:34:18 +0000

The primaries should be a more open process - no matter how much one, few, or many may believe a particular candidate is a nut. If it is allowed that polls decide who can debate, then we allow the media to make the decisions as to who will be allowed to be on the debate stage and indirectly who will be available to vote for. Another criteria that is not the media should be used in order to decide debate participants. There are some past presidents that would not have made the criteria being spoken of here.

By: Dane

Dane — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:41:34 +0000

Cox has not met the polling criteria, however the SCGOP will still take his money to be on the ballot. He just won’t make th debate.

Depending on the poll, Hunter does not get 1% nationally.

By: Morpheus

Morpheus — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:40:12 +0000

I can understand if they include Tancredo and Paul in as well, but a nut like Cox has no business being included on this type of stage.

By: Political Angel

Political Angel — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:15:32 +0000

Cox just paid his $25,000 filing fee to SC GOP. If they accepted his money, then he must be rated high enough to play? Can’t believe he has achieved 1% nationally?

By: R.W.

R.W. — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:03:53 +0000

I don’t see why Duncan Hunter is on the list of doubtful participants. He’s paid his filing fee and is polling above the one percent requirement. It sounds like Morpheus has proposed a likely slate of participants.

By: Morpheus

Morpheus — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:06:02 +0000

Duncan Hunter has been doing well around the state at conventions and should be allowed to participate. But then again, John Cox can make that argument too, and there’s no way he should be allowed.

Romney, McCain, Rudy, Brownback, Huckabee, and Hunter. There is your field right there.