Presidential Debates in ’88

So the League of Women Voters wants to keep control of the presidential debates because they want to ensure access to third-party candidates, right? That’s a big surprise to anyone who has worked on a campaign outside the Democratic and Republican parties. The league almost never includes Libertarian, Peace and Freedom, or American/Independent candidates for any office in their so-called nonpartisan debates.

I’ll believe the league is interested in providing unbiased information to the many voters who are disenchanted with politics as usual when I see all candidates actually receiving invitations to participate in all debates sponsored by the league. Until then, I’m going to cynically assume that the league is really concerned with protecting its turf and keeping its name in lights.

LOU VILLADSEN

Santa Monica