The same thing Democrats would gain by being a part of any of the Fox news sponsored debates: RESPECT!

Sometimes going into the lion’s den is where a canadate can really shine and a chance to show to the American public that he/she does not need the comfort of following scripted answers by soft moderators. Personally, I have way more respect for Al Sharpton than any of the Democratic canadates for going on the Bill O’Reilly show (a venue all the Democratic canadates have avoided–someone correct me if I am wrong) to express his p.o.v. I may not agree with him on some things, but I do respect him.

Would the GOP gain more votes from the Black and Hispanic communities if they did show up? Probably not–in the short run. But in the long run I believe that not only will they gain more respect from both communities (that could translate into votes in the future), but it will shut the mouths of every critic out there who accusses the GOP to be a party of racists. With the GOP constantly avoiding these venues, the critics have plenty of fuel to keep them going.

Personally I think the whole thing is silly, but like it or not these debates are a part of the world of politics (like rush hour traffic is to the American worker). I say, do the 2 hours or so and move on.

Leaving the Democratic party was partially because I wanted to be seen as an American, period… instead of as some black person who needs the government to solve all my problems. I’d think any black person who considers him or herself to be a member of the Republican party would be able to make their decision without needing a “Black Forum.”

Do I wish that conservatives and Republicans would do more to spread their values to ALL communities? Yes. But this is an election, and candidates need to be strategic about where they spend their time. Why waste time on a debate where an overwhelming majority of the people within the constituency will not vote for you?

As far as FDT and the rest of the candidates go, I think that ALL of the candidates should participate in the debate and because of it being FDT’s 1st debate, the ratings will be high as hell.

If Romney and Rudy don’t come, they will be punking out big time.

Hey. Can a conservative please explain to me why there is so much push back against Ron Paul? Is it just the war. I mean the guy just plain makes sense to me. I listen to him all the time and he is the definition of Conservative. I damn near would vote for him. At least I would know what I’d be getting. Someone who really believes and stands by what he says.