Mike Gravel Barred from Upcoming Debate

Just a week before one of the most important debates in the bid for the presidency, NBC announced that Mike Gravel (Senator- Alaska) will not be allowed to participate in this public debate.

Apparently a sudden change in the criteria required by the corporate news media, has excluded Senator Gravel from participation. New requirements put in place for those who will be allowed to participate include polling time, voter support, and funds raised for the camapign.

While NBC spokesman Chuck Todd states that Gravel was excluded from the debate because he failed to campaign in new Hampshire or Iowa 14 times, hasn't garnered 5 percent support, or raised one million dollars for his campaign, many people are questioning both the truth of these statements, as well as the motives for the new standards being placed on candidates (with no prior warning.)

Mike Gravel himself states that he has certainly campaigned in both states at least 14 times, and varying polls place the former Alaskan senator at more than 5 percent voters support.

A quote from an e-mail from Senator Gravel to his supporters reads:
"Since I announced my candidacy for the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States on April 17, 2006, I have certainly
traveled to New Hampshire and Iowa at least 14 times. And, according to a recent CNN poll, I am tied with Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich and Chris Dodd.
NBC claims I haven't raised enough money to qualify. I'm proud of the fact that I don't collect millions from special interests (or
fugitives like Norman Hsu)."

Mike Gravel voiced concerns in his e-mail which involve ties between NBC Universal (a television, internet, film, and radio media corporation which has a major influence on the viewing public) and it's owner General Electric- a huge corporation which also has a 2 billion dollar contract with the American Military.