[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2008/images/01/15/art.kucinish.wife.gi.jpg caption=" Dennis and Elizabeth Kucinich."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The saying goes "Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it." That's the position Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich may find himself in tonight at the democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas, Nevada. See the debate organizers don't want Kucinich to participate. But a judge has ordered MSNBC to include Kucinich or he will issue an injunction preventing the debate from happening at all.
Kucinich was originally scheduled to be part of the debate with Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards. Then he failed to make much of a showing in Iowa and New Hampshire and was told he was being uninvited. Kucinich went to court, and a judge has decided it would be unfair to exclude him.
MSNBC said it is appealing the judge's ruling, but as things stand now Kucinich will be there whether they want him or not. So here's the question: Should the courts be involved in this sort of thing?
Here’s my question to you: A judge has ordered MSNBC to include Dennis Kucinich in a debate. Should the courts be involved in this sort of thing?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Steve from Overland Park, Kansas writes:
Yes, Jack. The airwaves belong to the American people and besides, with Kucinich there, the Democrats may even talk about something important.
Pete writes:
Jack, of course Kucinich should be included. Although the moderators will fail to ask, Dennis will find a way to address some of the Constitutional issues, such as the loss of the right to Habeas Corpus, the Military Commissions act, warrantless wiretapping, problems with the Patriot Act, and Torture. All of these are steps on the road to a fascist state.
Tim writes:
Instead our media focuses on crying jags, racially divisive campaigning, and support for the endless war on terror and the occupation of Iraq.
I don't think so Jack. This is the type of thing that boils my blood. The courts should stay away from politics and stick to creating "justice" for all. As for Kucinich, I think that he should give up, pack up, and go home!
Mike writes:
Dennis Kucinich reflects the majority of Americans who want to end the senseless slaughter of our soldiers in Iraq. GE owns NBC, and GE profits hugely from the slaughter of our soldiers. But that does not give war profiteers GE and NBC the right to break their contract with Dennis Kucinich. Kudos to Judge Thompson for standing firm on the law.
Anthony writes:
Yes, if it will stop the media from anointing future candidates through their limited coverage of a select few. There are other very worthwhile candidates out there whose views are swept away by the coverage of the few media darlings.
Tony writes:
Why not? There is precedent. Remember December, 2000 when the courts effectively selected who should be the President of the United States.