We asked readers, Should Gary Johnson, Jill Stein be included in debates?

Un-American to shut out third-parties from debates

Yes, we need to allow all credible candidates into the presidential debates, even if they receive less than 15 percent in polls. I consider credible candidates those that have been chosen by a registered political party and have met the requirements to be listed on at least two-thirds of the state’s ballots.

If we are truly a representative democracy, we all need to vote and need all the information available to make an informed decision. It is appalling to me to speak to someone who is 30 years old and has no idea there are more political parties than the Democrats and Republicans from which to choose.

The media needs to give coverage to all candidates on an equal basis, allowing us to choose the best person for any elected position. And it seems undemocratic and un-American to exclude any credible candidate from the presidential debates.

— Peggy Barr, Hermosa Beach

Voters need more info

Our current system of two-party rule is so entrenched they don’t have to worry about losing power and that’s what it’s all about. I’m sure some politicians go to Washington with good intentions but they soon become part of the problem.

If third parties were allowed time on the national stage with Democrats and Republicans, it would give voters more information and possibly urge the major parties to consider what is good for the country rather than themselves.

As it stands now, we have a choice between a jerk or a joke (depending on your view) from one party and the most corrupt politician outside of a prison cell from the other. Not much to choose from, is it?

— Wayne Stickle, Long Beach

Include all political voices

I find this the most frustrating election of my life. I am 67. Both the Democratic and Republican candidates repulse me. The atmosphere of fear and hostility seems unprecedented. We are being urged to vote against someone by voting for someone we really don’t like.

Say you were in a restaurant and told you cannot have what you want, these are the sole options. If you had any integrity, you would leave. But we are told we now have no options and must choose. Well, for me, Gary Johnson and Bill Weld are eminent and reliable options.

The Republican Party has been taken over by Trump. The Democratic Party is owned by Clinton who recently was all but crowned by Obama as his successor. Where do we, the people, fit into all of this? Johnson, as a liberal Republican, has taken the mantle of the opposition to the Democrats. Trump is a one-man show.

The commission needs to respect the needs of voters to hear the various options and then make our choice. We do not want someone in Washington deciding for us again.

— Harold Goodman, Silver Spring, Md.

Two-party system archaic

Candidates from all parties should have an equal chance at letting the people know where they stand on the issues. The more varied the views, the more choices we have. The two-party system is archaic and hampers more diverse points of view.

— Charley Keller, Chino Hills

Hear from all candidates

Third-party candidates should be allowed to be in the debates. Seeing all candidates gives us a clear choice who to vote for.

— Richard Metzger, Porter Ranch