Nader, Barr Say Debate Confusion Should Mean Their Invitation

John McCain’s call to reschedule Friday’s presidential debate illustrates how easy it would be to include third party candidates on short notice, Independent candidate Ralph Nader and Libertarian Party candidate Bob Barr said in a joint statement Wednesday afternoon.

“The fact that a candidate can call for changing the date of the debate only two days before it is scheduled indicates how easy it would be for the candidates to also call for the inclusion of the leading third party and independent candidates, which would bring fresh ideas to the table on how our country can truly tackle this heavy challenge,” Nader and Barr said.

Friday’s debate was left in limbo after McCain’s statement, with Barack Obama saying in a late afternoon press conference that he would like to see the debate go forward. It was unclear how the candidates’ stances would be resolved.

The University of Mississippi, which is hosting the debate, said it was planning to go forward with debate preparations. ” At present, the University has received no notification of any change in the timing or venue of the debate,” the university said. “We have been notified by the Commission on Presidential Debates that we are proceeding as scheduled.”

–Michael O’Brien