CNN has announced the lineup for the First Republican Presidential Debate in New Hampshire. Seven “candidates” are in; and yes, I use that term loosely. The one “surprise” is that Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has decided to participate. It’s surprising only because she is yet to officially announce.
CNN says on the network’s website that invitations were also extended to Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Former Utah Governor John Huntsman, Businessman Donald Trump, Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. All were declined – some for more obvious reasons than others.
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was also extended an invite, but Thursday told the local news affiliate co-hosting the event “I don’t think I’m going to be there. Thank you for asking though.” No news as to why Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson failed to make the cut. Would have thought that Willie Nelson endorsement would have done wonders for his chances. Oh that’s right, he took it back. (Scratcher is expectedly pissed).
But enough about those not participating. Here’s the list of candidates that will be in attendance…
- Texas Congressman Ron Paul
- Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
- Business Man Herman Cain
- Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann
- Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich
- Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty
- Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum
The event will be moderated by CNN’s John King “with journalists from WMUR and the Union Leader participating in the questioning.” Mark your calendars… The debate is set for June 13 on the campus of Saint Anselm College.
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More From Scratcher on the Gary Johnson snub…
Disappointment gave way to fury, however, as I realized that that sanctimonious prig Rick Santorum is on the ticket. (NEWSFLASH – While the fundies may be all for a Santorum theocracy, there aren’t enough of them to get him elected.) Also on the dais will be Newt Gingrich… because Newt and the media keep telling us he’s a viable candidate. (NEWSFLASH 2 – People outside the incestuous beltway gang hate this guy. Right, left and middle.) Most of the rest of them I understand.
And a response from the Johnson camp…
What will be missing is the voice of those who hold an undiluted view of individual liberty – those who believe that individual rights extend to women who face choices about abortion, Americans who happen to be gay, and those who don’t place other asterisks on freedom.
Likewise, there will be no voice for the growing number of Americans who see the hypocrisy and failure of drug laws that condone alcohol at White House Dinners while incarcerating millions of Americans, including our kids, who choose to smoke pot.
I wish the participants in the debate well. And I sympathize with the millions of Americans whose beliefs will not be on display in Manchester on June 13.
I look forward to participating in the July 10 debate in Las Vegas, sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform and the Daily Caller.”
And another response from Scratcher…
I am sick to death of having to hold my nose and vote for the lesser of two suck-fests. I’ve grown weary of having the media and political establishment tell me who is “electable”. I hate that a major media (pffft) outlet would ignore the candidate with the single most impressive track record.
And CNN can cram their “criteria”. They invited Trump, fergawdsake. (Who already took his ball and went home, may I remind you. He’s proven he doesn’t have the stuff.) They invited Palin, who isn’t even a damn candidate! Ditto Guiliani and Huckabee.
But they’ll ignore Johnson, who had the guts to declare months ago while most of the others were still playing “will-I-won’t-I-explorary-someone-beg-me-cuz-that’s-what-my-ego-requires” foolishness.
I’m disgusted.
And at the same time, I back Gary Johnson MORE STRONGLY THAN EVER.
The CNN debate may be the first one I’ll ever skip.
Pissed is an understatement.
Gary Johnson has sent out an email with the contact info for pertinent media. Please, even non-fans… tell ‘em to let the man debate. One more set of ideas is a GOOD THING.
http://makesmybrainitch.blogspot.com/2011/06/tell-cnn-to-let-gary-johnson-debate.html
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[...] Giuliani, Huntsman Out Posted on June 5, 2011 by Tom Budzinski As reported by T. Christopher on Republican Redefined, CNN has announced the lineup for the First Republican Presidential Debate in New Hampshire. Seven [...]
Seems to be missing one dwarf.
That’s too funny. It seems I’m stuck relating the number seven to Snow White as well. I thought about writing a post titled “Seven Dwarfs and no Snow White” – still may have to use it.
As to your reference, I assume you mean Johnson. I’m not a supporter, but it does seem odd that he wasn’t included. He’s polling right there with some of the others that were invited, so I think it’s disappointing he wasn’t included – disappointing, but not enough so that I won’t be watching.
Let Bachmann be Snow White. Then there’s room for “Dopey”.
(Can ya tell I’m trying to keep a sense of humor about this?)
I can def sense it. Fine suggestion too. That might be the solution to my still using it without having to write another Sarah Palin post. I think I’ve reached my limit – for June God-Willing.
It’s only the 7th. I think you’re in for a looooong month, my friend.
Pleeeaaasssee don’t remind me. When is this bus tour over? Next November? Ugh!!
Gary Johnson needs to hold a rally outside of the place the debate is being held. It would’ve been great to have two voices of reason on stage instead of just Ron Paul.
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