The Irritation Factor: Marginal Candidates in Democratic Debates

Strategic Insights -

As the Democratic primaries approach on March 2, the debate stage will feature two leading candidates, John Kerry and John Edwards, along with two marginal candidates, Dennis Kucinich and Al Sharpton. Despite Kucinich's lack of delegate wins after 17 primaries, he remains a participant in debates, arguing that he represents the views of Democrats to the left of Edwards and Kerry. Sharpton's participation in debates is more contentious, as his campaign is seen as a means to maintain his career as a professional failed candidate for high office.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dennis Kucinich has yet to win a single delegate in 17 primaries, yet remains a participant in debates.
  • Al Sharpton's career depends on maintaining a campaign that is not serious, but appears to have a chance of winning, allowing him to bask in attention and maintain a career as a freelance civil rights activist.
  • Sharpton's participation in debates is critical to his career, allowing him to appear cool and reasonable while serious candidates sweat and appear desperate.
  • The debate arrangement has sparked irritation among some voters, who believe that Kucinich and Sharpton are using up too much airtime in debates.
  • Following 17 primaries, Kucinich has the support of only two superdelegates, one of whom is Kucinich himself.
  • Sharpton has made it clear that he would cry racial exclusion if kept off the debate stage, and is capable of mobilizing pickets to drive his point home.
  • The Associated Press reported that Senator Kerry referred to Senator Edwards as "one of the leading contenders" and would not attend debates without the rest of the field.
  • Edwards has complied with Kerry's demands, partly due to the need to have Kerry attend debates.

Statistics:

  • 17 primaries have taken place without Kucinich winning any delegates.
  • Kucinich has the support of only two superdelegates, one of whom is Kucinich himself.
  • There will be at least two debates featuring all four candidates, one in California and one in New York.
  • Next Sunday's debate in New York will be co-sponsored by CBS News and The New York Times.

Sources:

  • "The Associated Press"
  • An article in The New York Times (no date provided)
  • An article in The New York Times was reported to be co-sponsor of upcoming Debate.