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

Include all candidates in the presidential debates

Given the unpalatable candidates chosen by the two major parties for the upcoming presidential election, I feel it is essential that all credible third-party candidates be included in the debates, regardless whether they have polled at 15 percent or better.

Should either the Democratic or the Republican candidate be elected president, I shudder at the tragic consequences that are sure to result. I certainly don’t plan on voting for the lesser of the two evils and hope that having third-party candidates in the debates may convince others to seriously consider voting for a third party.

— Dale Mooney, Torrance

Give third parties exposure

Yes, Gary Johnson and Jill Stein should be included in debates. A majority of Americans may not even be aware the Green and Libertarian parties exist. The mainstream media are owned by Republicans and Democrats.

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are constantly in the headlines. Having Johnson and Stein at the debates would give their parties the exposure they need, and as a result they may poll well above 15 percent. Clinton is viewed unfavorably by 53 percent of the country and Trump by 61 percent, according to recent polls.

Over half of the country is unsatisfied with their mainstream choices, they don’t align with either and feel as if they have no choice but to pick the least worst. People are sticking with the “lesser of two evils” attitude, and that’s what destroying this country.

— Manuel Hurtado, Montclair

More media coverage

The requirement of 15 percent is OK if cable networks would early on cover those who head the “third and fourth” parties. Our biggest problem is the media do us all unjustness by not covering these parties until the end of the Republican and Democrat conventions.

In a way it’s understandable based of prior elections but nonetheless not a happy picture to those heading up the “third and fourth“ parties. As far as I know, only talk radio allows them to discuss their ideas, which all voters need to hear.

We need more, not less coverage of such candidates and maybe then they will exceed the 15 percent.

— Edward Beauchamp, Lakewood

Open debates to all

We are a democracy and people have a right to hear all viewpoints no matter where they place in the polls. The Commission on Presidential Debates shouldn’t dictate or control information on presidential candidates. The American public will be more empowered and better informed if the debates were open to all candidates.

— Kathy Dudley, Northridge

15% a product of ratings

Great editorial. As a three-time Iraq vet who voted for Gary Johnson last election, I am very much in favor of his being on the stage in September for the debates. I understand that television has played a large part in our election cycles, but it is very noticeable that this 15 percent number has been a product of ratings and not democracy as a whole. If someone wants to ask me more questions, feel free. I cannot think of any other election where more sane speakers should be heard.

— Jacob Frasier, Dallas, Texas More answers to this Question of the Week will be published Wednesday.