Texas Tribune Biggest Available Venue for Third Party Debate

By: Elias J. Atienza

The CEO of The Texas Tribune said in a tweet that they would be happy to host a debate between Gary Johnson, Jill Stein, and Evan McMullin.

This would be the biggest venue offered to third party candidates today. Despite unprecedented media attention and record polling, it hasn’t been enough to propel Johnson or Stein to the presidential debates.

Last election, Russia Today held a debate between Stein and Johnson and Ora TV held a debate between Johnson, Stein, Constitution Party nominee Virgil Goode, and Justice Party nominee Rocky Anderson.

McMullin and Stein have already accepted the debate offer. Johnson has yet to respond.

.@DrJillStein and I agreed to debate. @GovGaryJohnson won't respond to the invitation. Media and sponsors are ready. https://t.co/EVERXmZj1A — Evan McMullin (@EvanMcMullin) October 6, 2016

The most likely reason for Johnson not responding is that he is the only third party candidate on the ballot in all fifty states.

Stein will be on the ballot in 44 states while McMullin doesn’t qualify for the ballots in more than half of the states, though he is a write-in for twenty states.

Constitution Party nominee Darrell Castle, despite being on more ballots than McMullin, was not invited.