Open Debates  About Us The Issue Your Role Our Supporters News
Donate  What is the CDP? Corporate Sponsorship of the Debates
Exclusion of Popular Candidates -What Happened in 1988? -What
Happened in 1992? -What Happened in 1996? -What Happened in
2000? -What Happened in 2004?  -What Happened in 2008?  -What
Happened in 2012? -The 15 Percent Barrier Dreary Formats Lies
and Deception Open Debates' Victories  The 15 Percent Barrier
Since 2000, the CPD has required that candidates reach 15
percent in national polls to participate in the presidential
debates.  The criterion is the greatest obstacle to more
inclusive presidential debates. The Seattle Times editorialized,
"The 15 percent threshold suits the two parties. It unduly
restricts the American people."  The problems with the 15
percent criterion are many:  The criterion disregards the
allocation of taxpayer funds and the intent of Congress. Under
the Federal Election Campaign Act, a party that receives five
percent of the popular vote qualifies for million