In following the 2004 presidential campaign, I have noticed that we have become a two-party system. In America, we are supposed to have a democracy, but there is, without question, a lack of a third party. There has been no representation of a third party, particularly in the debates.

Just because a candidate is not considered likely to win doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be given the chance to share their views in a public setting. The Democratic and Republican parties are being very exclusionary.

Ralph Nader is still a candidate. He is on the ballot in quite a few states, and he is working hard on his presidential campaign even though everyone knows he is not likely to win the election. He deserves to be rewarded for that campaigning by being given the chance to participate in the debates. Ross Perot was the most notable third-party candidate in recent memory. He was given the opportunity to participate in the 1992 debates and, in doing, so he was able to get quite a few votes and really influence that campaign. Nader deserves the same opportunity.

Angus King was a very successful independent governor. He never would have even had a chance had he not been represented.

For future campaigns, we need to realize that this is supposed to be a democracy, not a two-party system. It would add a dimension to the race that I think is needed.

Benjamin Larkin, Auburn

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