UL: Gravel not excluded
Two different sources within the New Hampshire Union Leader say that former Alaskan Sen. Mike Gravel, a Democrat running for president, has not been banned from an upcoming debate sponsored by the paper, WMUR-TV, and CNN.
Gravel sent out a press release earlier this week saying he was being kept out of the debate. The press release was posted on the Drudge Report and made the national wire services, meaning that his protest has received a lot more play than his actual campaign, unfortunately.
In this morning's Sunday Monitor [Concord], the Capital Beat column had a bit on the press release, quoting Charlie Perkins, the executive editor of the UL: ["Left out?"].
I also inquired to another staffer I know at the UL requesting confirmation on this issue with an offer to make the case, in writing, in column space, or whatever, for Gravel's appearance in the debate. While I haven't received clearance to quote the email, this person stated that Gravel had not been banned from the debate.
As my regular readers can probably tell, I'm still undecided in the 2008 race. But I do believe Gravel brings a lot to the table, including the best resume on energy policy of all the candidates and a strong anti-war position. He is also the only one talking about scrapping the tax code and replacing it with a national sales tax. In the past, I supported the flat tax forwarded by Jerry Brown. I'm also intrigued by a national sales tax although I don't know if I support one or not. I do, however, feel Gravel should be included and I do think that independents, progressives, and Democrats, should hear about these issues.
Here's hoping that everything works out and that Gravel will get a chance to be on the podium along with clearly less-qualified candidates like Sen. Barack Obama and Rep. Dennis Kucinich.

Another thing getting national play is this hilarious Internet ad nailing Hillary and promoting the Obama campaign: ["Vote Different"].