What was once an inspiring, hopeful campaign has degenerated into a typical election. Lots of name calling and mudslinging with new ideas and fresh viewpoints the first and costliest casualties. What happened?

First, the most outspoken and different were marginalized and painted as kooks. On the republican side Ron Paul is the most obvious. During the debates he was rarely asked any substantive questions. Off camera his name was rarely mentioned along with the heavy-weights. So despite the intense interest and excitement he generated, especially with younger voters, a large part of this country was denied access to his ideas.

Another candidate, Mike Huckabee, also brought new ideas and fresh insight to the race. I do not remember anyone discussing his tax plan but we all heard about his religious views. Personally I don’t care if someone thinks the moon is made out of green cheese if they have a fair and sensible tax plan. To Mr. Huckabees’ credit he did stay in the race but the news outlets never discussed his positions but instead focused on how he couldn’t win.

On the democratic side candidates like Dennis Kucinich, Mike Gravel, Bill Richardson, etc. were also all but ignored at the debates and in the mainstream media. Mr. Gravel was labeled the grouchy old man, Dennis Kucinich the guy who saw flying saucers and the others as being unable to generate enough interest to win the nomination. And now we have two candidates in the Democratic party, one on the Republican side. What are their stances on the issues?

Tags: anti-war, campaign, democrats, president, race, republicans, war