(Looks like they figured out that by uninviting Jill, they were driving up her fundraising! Either that, or they figured out that their own criteria make them look like fools! – promoted by eli_beckerman)
The Boston Media Consortium seems to have a change of heart after people spoke out against their attempt to censor Jill in the debate:
Jill Stein to appear in TV debate after being shut out
By Hillary Chabot, Boston Herald
Monday, September 13, 2010
Green Rainbow gubernatorial candidate Jill Stein will participate in a high-profile TV debate after the Boston Media consortium – facing public outrage – reversed their decision to shut her out.
“I’m delighted, but I don’t for one minute think this is the last time I’ll face this,” said Stein, who was invited to the debate around 2:30 p.m. this afternoon. “We don’t want to rest on our laurels here, we need to make sure the debates are open to all the candidates.”
The Boston Media Consortium originally blocked Stein from the debate because she didn’t meet certain criteria – including raising $100,000 by Oct. 1. Stein said consortium officials told her today she now meets the criteria.
“This is about getting a better deal for the voters of the Commonwealth,” Stein said. “This debate and all others should be open to all the candidates.”
The change of heart came after Stein’s supporters planned to protest the debates and boycott the members of the consortium – which includes The Boston Globe and WCVB-TV Channel 5. The debates are scheduled to air Sept. 21 and Oct. 26.
The consortium sent a letter to all candidates saying they can take part in the debates only if they have raised $100,000 by Oct. 1, and have nabbed 5 percent in a poll done by a media organization or academic institution. Candidates also have to open a campaign headquarters with at least three paid staff.
Gov. Deval Patrick said he’s glad officials have allowed Stein in the debate – and urged them to continue to let her in.
“I think the more she participates the better for the public,” said Patrick.
The Boston Media Consortium sent out the following statement:
“The consortium has reviewed the Stein campaign’s arguments for inclusion in the Sept. 21 debate and determined that she has met all but one criteria, which required that all participants must have raised $100,000 through Oct. 1. Given that the debate falls before that date, we will allow Jill Stein to participate in the Sept. 21 debate. We will reassess after Oct. 1 to determine whether Stein qualifies for the second consortium debate, on Oct. 26.
Full article (with fun fun comments!): http://bostonherald.com/news/p…
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This is very exciting and a huge success. She is right about being cautious though. They still have to make a decision on the October debate. How incredibly patronizing. Really, there are some serious power issues going on in this state and the whole country.
In response to Daveschwab’s question on a previous thread, Jill has collected $70,540 in “from the people” campaign donations. She currently has the information posted on her home page.
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From the Boston Herald on Sep 13, 2010:
As a candidate, I would not accept an invitation to debate from any organizer that did not in good faith offer an invitation to all other candidates, which will probably not be a factor in my own two-way race this year, but I would apply that standard to any future race that I am in. I’ve elaborated upon this in an earlier post.
If Gov. Patrick really means what he says, and if other candidates agree, they should be proactive and consistent. I call upon all candidates to insist upon a higher debate and media standard that is befitting to the commonwealth, which we call the “birthplace of democracy.” Join me in not participating in any debate or forum whose organizers did not invite all candidates.
Congratulations to the Stein campaign and to my fellow Greens for working so hard to raise awareness of this issue and to bring about this particular reversal. The fight continues and the work goes on. I’ll see many of you tonight in Braintree, where an exclusionary radio event will take place among candidates who have not exhibited very high standards of respect for democracy.