Why NBC and the DNC Want Me Out of the Debates

In the past year, I have attended 11 national Democratic debates of which two were sponsored by corporate media giant NBC. However, last week, the network suddenly conjured up arbitrary polling and fundraising requirements specifically designed to exclude me. None of the previous debates I attended held such requirements.

When my staff called NBC directly to find out why I was now barred from attending, Chuck Todd, NBC news' political director, told us that there were three criteria we did not meet, namely that I had not campaigned in New Hampshire and/or Iowa at least 14 times in the past year, that I was not polling at 5% and that I hadn't raised $1 million.

It is abundantly clear that NBC just wants me out of the race. This was made evident by the fact that NBC did not even inform me of its arbitrary criteria before making the decision to stifle my campaign. NBC's Todd waited until 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, to inform my staff that I was not invited to the Oct. 30 debate at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Since I announced my candidacy for the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States on April 17, 2006, I have certainly traveled to New Hampshire and Iowa at least 14 times. And, according to a recent CNN poll, I am tied with Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich and Chris Dodd.

NBC claims I haven't raised enough money to qualify. I'm proud of the fact that I don't collect millions from special interests (or fugitives like Norman Hsu). The reason why Senator Hillary Clinton seems to have a fundraising scandal every month is because money has corrupted our democracy. By stifling my voice on the basis of fundraising dollars, NBC is reinforcing the power of money over our national political discussion and our freedom.

But why has NBC suddenly come up with "requirements" designed to exclude me from the debate?

NBC's decision is proof that our corporate media do not want a genuine debate over our impending war with Iran. During the last debate I was the only one to aggressively confront Senator Clinton over her vote to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. Had I not brought up the subject, seasoned NBC commentator Tim Russert, the moderator of the Sept. 26 debate, would not have even asked about it.

Most Americans still don't appreciate the gravity of that vote and they don't understand that our government is intentionally raising roadblocks to diplomacy. Corporate media have once again failed to investigate how Bush and a compliant congress have set us on the warpath. Instead the media simply parrots the demonization of Iranian President Ahmadinejad and the administration's unproven accusations against Iran. NBC and the other corporate media have jumped on the war bandwagon and they are determined to shut up anyone who tries to stop it.

The fact that NBC is owned by General Electric, one of the world's leading military contractors, is frightening and certainly smacks of censorship directed at the most outspoken critic of the influence that the military-industrial complex holds over this great nation. In the past decade, GE has benefited financially from the global war on terrorism and currently holds almost $2 billion in military contracts.

So I ask that anyone, who is as concerned as I am about the power of the mainstream media and the military-industrial complex, speak out in support of my campaign today. And, even if you support another candidate, surely you understand the implications of NBC's decision for our democracy and the future peace and security of our nation.

And since the powers that be now require that I raise $1 million in order to participate in the debates, please make a donation to my campaign. Unlike my fellow candidates, I am not focused on raising million of dollars; I am focused on fixing representative government. Help us reach that arbitrary threshold, and I will continue to fight for democracy and peace.

Senator Mike Gravel

Comments

[bohemianowl]

The Media is corrupt! I am a Ron Paul Supporter and the truth needs to get out!

Our republic is becoming a NAZI POLICE STATE!

I am listening to Gravel now on the Alex Jones Show, and I like him alot, He speaks truth!

[craigmart]

I've sent a round of emails to NBC, GE and Drexel University. Got a quick generic response from Chuck Todd at NBC, so he must be getting lots of emails from Gravel supporters. Keep it up!

[s0ngcatcher]

I got a generic response from Chuck Todd too, but when I criticized it, he replied "I did respond":

"Thanks for your email. As you may already know, no network has given
Sen. Gravel more opportunity to get his message across than NBC and its
affiliates via both interviews and debates. But with the election season
beginning in just 72 days and more candidates trying to get into our
debates, we believed it was necessary to have some minimum standards.
Leaders and activists from both parties believe our requirements are
very fair. Unfortunately, Sen. Gravel did not meet those minimum
requirements. The standards we used included measuring the amount of
time the senator spent campaigning as well as poll standing and
financial resources."

[princessofnowt]

What if we let the 'lesser' sponsors know that they will be boycotted as well? GE & NBC may not give a s**t, but if all of the sponsors know, well, can't hurt....

I'm writing to all sponsors on NBC networks to tell them why I refuse to watch NBC and affiliates anymore.

I keep writing back to Chuck, as well.

Censorship and birds of a feather is the theme...

They need to know we are ANGRY.

[dfgrbac]

Let's not let democracy be defeated. Get Mike Gravel into the MSNBC debate so Americans can hear the truth!

[CharlesMerrill]

I signed the petition. This country needs you, but the truth can't be heard because of the totalitarian government and media control. Probably will have to go though another Stock Market Crash like 1929 to wake up everyone to their senses.

[racetoinfinity]

You go, Mike! I like a lot of what you say, including linking GE's profiting mightily off the Iraq War as a probable factoring in trying to censor you. You keep speaking truth to power!

[toddpw]

Just signed the petition.

Senator Gravel, you are ahead of your time. Which is a darn silly thing to be saying given that many consider you a fossil of the Watergate era. But I think it applies to your solutions like the National Initiative.

America is not ready. More scandals need to be exposed. The outrage must build. Only then will people realize that structual change is needed, and that to "throw the bums out" is no longer sufficient.

[Lelu]

Why isn't this getting a prominent position on the Huffpo front page??

[princessofnowt]

I think it is the number of comments that keeps it prominent or not.

That Mike Gravel is being censored from the MSM debate sponsored by a warmongering company (GE) SHOULD BE HEADLINE!

Whether you support him (yet) or not, this affects everybody.

Because of him at the last debate, the nation at large found out crucial information about Hillary's vote that will allow this president to go to war with Iran, and Obama's absence from the same, which should speak volumes.

WHY he is being censored should absolutely be front page news. At least here, of all places.

[ling]

The October 30, 2007 Democratic Debate sponsored by MSNBC and the DNC ought to be boycotted by all the Democratic and Republican candidates. It's hardly democratic for these sponsors to censor Senator Gravel by excluding him from these debates for lack of sufficient funds. I recall a similar situation regarding Ralph Nader's past candidacy. Senator Mike Gravel has deservedly earned a place in the history of democracy for his development and codification of the National Initiative and his determined struggle to bring its truth to everyday people so that they may learn to become responsible and mature lawmakers. Senator Gravel has earned the right to be present at all debates and forums. What are the sponsors afraid of? I have learned and continue to learn a great deal from Senator Gravel's leadership qualities, fearless voice, knowledge, and experience. It is an honor to speak on his behalf for inclusion in all forthcoming debates and forums.

[WhiteSoxNation]

You recall wrong re: Nader.

Nader was left out of the debates in 2000 because of Albert Gore Jr. They stated he was "irrelevant" and then proceeded to blame Nader for costing him the election. I guess he was relevant!

What did you learn from Sen. Gravel? When the going gets tough, declare bankruptcy?

[thatvisionthing]

Hey whitesox, we/US are bankrupt, we just don't know it, and I think Gravel's choices and experience are a plus. He didn't bankrupt all of us and our children's future for a stupid criminal war. He risked personal bankruptcy for America's sake, to promote his National Initiative, which would put legislating powers directly in the hands of the people--hey, WE could impeach and end the war ourselves, I'm for it.

I bet Gravel could tell us something about bankruptcy, money vs Constitution, what it's worth, what's at risk, say something for gruffness and plain speaking, say something about good people who have gone bankrupt in this nation's history--like the Depression--and why "rich" people commit suicide and plain people hang in there, help each other, and go back to work.

The going IS tough, and I want Gravel.

[ScooterLiddy]

Mike,

You are my #1 candidate for president. I have a Mike Gravel for Prez bumper sticker on my '89 Honda Prelude. Keep telling the truth. You are a breath of fresh air in the midst of a bowl of turds.

[MGSupporter]

Let Freedom Ring! Donate to Mike's campaign so he can keep speaking for us. He truly represents the common person. Go to his website: http://www.gravel2008.us/ and donate what you can.

[Minden]

Sen. Mike Gravel, I am grateful for all that you have done for our country. Thank you! And I am behind you 100%. Every time I look at my children, I am more determined to do all I can to help you win this election. They are the ones who are going to have to shovel and slog through all the crap that has been dumped on this country the past 6+ years. We need your courage, integrity, leadership and tenacity. And we need the NI4D! Don't let these suppressors get you down! You are an extraordinary candidate offering true change for this country. Do the extraordinary on Oct. 30! If all that we, your supporters, are doing to get you into this debate fail, show up anyway and hold your own debate right there on the spot! Video tape the whole thing and stick it on Youtube. We'll blog it all over the internet.
Keep up the good fight!
Lori M.

[brettday]

As someone who isn't a millionaire himself, I feel that Gravel is the only candidate who is truly willing to do what's needed to fix this country so that I and all the Americans like me have a voice. And now NBC's literally trying to take away his voice for not being a millionaire. Not very subtle, is it?

[Hitsumei]

I'm angry. I tried calling NBC, I signed the petition a while ago, and I sent a complaint to MSNBC. They're in violation of the RICO Act because there is a clear conflict of interest, and they're shutting out voices of sanity.

It's horrible that even a heartless nativist theocrat like Ron Paul (the site opensecrets also made me question his money from the defense sector) would get more attention than a compassionate and honest person like Mike Gravel.

We have to fight for the truth, and I want to help Gravel win because I don't see anyone else who is fit for the presidency in 2008. I gave 20 dollars and 20 cents on Friday.

[mattm.sf]

Here's the petition link again for anyone just reading this, let's get Mike Gravel on to the debates!

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/letgravelspeakoct30

[cjd411]

The country needs to hear what Gravel has to say. I think it really is time to fix this country and end the steady flow of electing the rich, popular and well connected politicians to the presidency. Those with the most to lose from an honest presidency are, unfortunately, those who currently pull the strings and as seen here, will do what has to be done to put a quick end to any sign of change. I'm as outraged at this as I am at the large part of the country who still believe the mindless babble we're fed on TV every night.