New group calls for changes in presidential debate rules to include independent candidates

The letter was endorsed by 45 signatories, including former congressmen, governors, presidential candidates, Cabinet members, military officials and business leaders from both parties.

Their argument is that current rules discourage credible independent candidates from running for president because they are unlikely to meet the 15 percent polling threshold to appear in the debates. Without appearing in the debates and garnering the accompanying media attention, it is nearly impossible for independent candidates to win, the elders argue.

“Opening up the debates to just one more responsible candidate could change everything,” said former ambassador James K. Glassman, one of the signatories and the founding executive director of the George W. Bush Institute. “I just think there are hundreds of people out there who would make really good candidates, not just people who’ve worked their way up through the party ranks.”