Most Americans want Gary Johnson on the presidential debate stage

More than half of Americans say Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson should be allowed to participate in the presidential debates, and nearly as many say the same about Green Party candidate Jill Stein. If either is included, they would be the first third-party debate participant since Ross Perot debated George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton in 1992.

Unfortunately for Johnson and Stein supporters, the deadline for their candidates to meet inclusion requirements is just two weeks away, and currently neither one makes the cut. Johnson is closer of the two, with about two-thirds of the 15 percent national support the Commission on Presidential Debates requires for participation. The 15 percent rule has been criticized as too stringent, as it is an all but impossible goal for independent contenders to meet before having the exposure of the debates.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up