I'd like to see Dodd, Biden, and Gravel withdraw from the race.

[calteacherguy]

They don't have a chance, and with fewer people the so-called "debates" would be more focused on those who it could be argued at least conceivably have a shot.

Edit: Although I don't support Kucinich, I can't bring myself to want him out...yet. I think he still may have some important things to contribute to the "debate," eventhough he has no chance.

[TwilightGardener]

1. They did have their shot for exposure a few weeks ago--I agree.

[wisteria]

2. It is not over till it is over and there may still be a dark horse candidate among the Democrats.

The one no one is even looking at or thinks has a chance. Not every Democrat has made up their mind on a candidate some people may not even like the too tier of candidates. I want to see them all giving a chance to tell us what their plans are for this country.

[calteacherguy]

3. There may be a dark horse but it isn't one of those three, imo. nt

[Mind_your_head]

4. Well, I guess if you're looking for a 'black/white choice'/position to

stand behind (especially this early in the game).....I can see your point of annoyance!

However, if you're to examine the positions of the candidates (cause that's what you're gonna vote for, RIGHT?) I guess you'd wamt to hear as many of them as possible AND you'd want to hear how some 'underdog' candidates will force a more 'popular' candidate to change/reinforce/reconsider/whatever their position. It's ALL part of the game.

Sit tight, listen, make judgements perhaps, but DON'T CHOOSE right now (it's waaaaaay too early)

[DURHAM D]

5. I see two of these three as trying to run for the VP spot..

However, I see Gov. Sebelius of Kansas as the front runner for that spot if the top of the ticket is not Hillary.

[Byronic]

6. Or, on the other hand,

everybody else could withdraw and leave the field to Dodd, Biden and Gravel.

It is far too early to begin the cull of candidates. Their voices deserve to be heard. Whether they can make themselves heard over the din surrounding the top tier is doubtful but they have as much right to be there as anybody else.

I wish they could have 'topic debates' as suggested by Joe Biden, and one or two others. A 90 minute debate on Iraq would be most illuminating.

[Adelante]

7. The hell with that

The candidates should drop out when they feel they should. We need those voices as long as they can stay in.

[karynnj]

8. It is May 2007 - No one knows what can happen

The odds are that it will be one of the top 3, but it may not be. I am not sure Carter was in the top three in 1975 or Clinton in 1992. Kerry wasn't for some parts of 2003.

This year looks like it is already nastier than 2004 ever got in the primaries. The focus on the main candidates is intense and anything could happen to eliminate a candidate. Or, on the positive side, what if it begins to appear that experience matters and people start to feel Clinton fatique again. The pressure on Gore might lead to him entering. Or, what if both Gore, Kerry, and Gary Hart decide to back Dodd because he has a long record on the environment and foreign policy credentials. (Note - I have no idea who, if anyone, any of these men will choose. I am trying to suggest a significant event that pulls in many of the unaligned Democratic voices behind one of these guys.) Would that be enough of a lift to give the endorsed candidate a second look?

[Clark2008]

9. And I want HRC and Edwards and Obama out.

They arguably don't have a shot to win the general election, so what's the point?

Geesch. I like how we stiffle democracy around here.

[PresidentObama]

13. What a load of B.S. All three, if nominated, will win the GE. n/t

[Dr Fate]

19. Except for Hillary. She wont win the GE. n/t

n/t

[hippiechick]

15. I agree.

n/t

[Freddie Stubbs]

10. Let the vanity candidates have their day in the sun

Later this year, it would probably be a good idea for debate sponsors to start limiting debates to the serious candidates.

[rucky]

11. The DNC Convention is over a year from now.

just sayin'

[jillan]

12. I am biting my tongue here -

As far as Biden and Dodd go - you're crazy.
It was DODD who introduced FMLA.
It was BIDEN that introduced the Violence Against Women Act.
Biden was the one that brought the bill to get our soldiers MRAPs.
Biden has an actual plan to leave Iraq, without leaving it in chaos.
You want more????? I'll be happy to provide it.

I can't 'sell' Dodd as well as Biden, but they are 2 senators that have made this country better.

What has Hillary, Obama or Edwards done to make this country better?
What legislation did they offer that improved our country??????
Maybe they are the ones that should drop out. In a time of chaos in the world I DO NOT WANT SOMEONE THAT NEEDS ON THE JOB TRAINING.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

17. Excellent post. The utterly ridiculous ideas thrown around here

are often embarassing.

Together, or as individuals, Dodd and Biden have more experience as elected officials than Hillary, Edwards, and Obama COMBINED!!!

Were it up to me, Gravel and Kucinich would be out. They simply have no serious chance.

[hippiechick]

14. Dodd and Biden yes, Gravel no.

We need at least one other candidate on par with DK speaking the unfettered, un-DLC-approved truth to whatever voters may be paying attention.

[CallBox7]

16. Your assumption is that debates actually inform us

Odd, I know. But outside of the arena of college debate competition - when was the last time you learned anything new in a debate? It seems to me it is nothing more than a beauty pageant when it comes to TV political debates.

[wyldwolf]

18. I'd rather wave goodbye to Kucinich and Gravel.