Politicians Live Debate

[Old Cruser]

So, why is Cameroon insisting the Green Party be included in the debate - or he's not playing??? and why aren't the other parties bothered about them being included - or don't they care either way?
Just asking

[simondjuk]

I think its because he scared of being made fool of.

I think he wants the Greens there so at least he wouldnt come last in the polls.

[therealjr]

Tory strategists are convinced that had it not been for his poor and Clegg's good performances last time they would have won an overall majority.. This time they expect Farage to wipe the floor with him (as he did with Clegg in the euro debates). They figure the other two main parties are likely to pretty much stand back and let him!! The Tories know they need someone else there to attack the other 3 parties to deflect some of the flack.

[Pete]

It's a farce - I suspect Cameron has something up his sleeve.

The Green Party are an established party for many years with an MP who was voted Politician of the Year in 2007 - why are they not invited?

This is not a democracy - its bollocks!

[Old Cruser]

Anyone know when this is due to start, it will be interesting to see what all parties have to say, including the Green Party if they are there.

[therealjr]

The Green Party are an established party for many years with an MP who was voted Politician of the Year in 2007 - why are they not invited?
This is not a democracy - its bollocks!

The one thing we have to get perfectly clear in all of this is that it's the host broadcasters (and given there are supposed to be two debates I assume thats the BBC and Sky) who set the rules and invite the participants.
Now for the reasons I listed above Cameron really doesn't want these debates (or more accurately he doesn't want any debate other than one between himself and Milliband because he figures he will win that one). I assume he knows that the broadcasters don't want too many people in these debates because it will slow the process down but they (the broadcasters) have to invite the three main parties and it would be ridiculous not to include UKIP as they are the heir apparent to the Lib Dems 3rd place. So by running with  this insistance that the Greens are involved, which the broadcasters won't like he figures he can get the mass debate cancelled and just end up in either one or more debates 1-2-1 with Milliband.
Now on the flip side of that coin Milliband knows he will struggle 1-2-1 (because he does every Wednesday lunchtime). So he needs the mass debate to mortally wound Cameron. Yes labour will be hit by UKIP in certain parts of the country but nothing to the extent that the tories will. What He will do if the broadcasters refuse to invite the Greens could be interesting though.

[Old Cruser]

The other parties are asking for an 'empty chair' to be left if he doesn't attend - just to remind everyone that he 'should' be there as Pm !