"Gag Rules" for Tuesday's Presidential Debate?
One of the most interesting episodes in US history is John Quincy Adam's attempt to bring petitions against Slavery to the US congress. The term "gag rule" referred to thwarting entertainment of arguments either for or against a particular policy.
The long held American tradition of petitions and attempts to stem their influence will be tested in a minor way in next Tuesday's presidential debate.
In an agreement between CPD and MySpace.com questions submitted via MyDebates.org can be used by debate moderator Tom Brokow. It remains unknown if he will bring in these citizen's voices or exclude as the primary gatekeeper.
A petition, sponsored by Why Tuesday? closed yesterday. The group is asking Brokow to present to the candidates the questions: Do you support the Weekend Voting Act? Moving Election Day to Saturday and Sunday makes voting more convenient, adds pollworkers, and eases the Tuesday rush.
The group Why Tuesday? describes themselves as "a non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2005 to find solutions to increase voter turnout and participation in elections." The group's makeup appears a left of center.
Their experiment could prove interesting. Most likely the petition will find its way directly into the round filing cabinet. If they are success in forcing the asking of a particular question, the floodgates of internet pressure on debates and debate moderators would accelerate. For those wishing citizen inputs, accepting the Why Tuesday question represents a victory. Others might anticipate chaos and yet another avenue for pressure groups to do their work.
Video after the fold
