In the Massachusetts election to replace the late U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, perhaps one of the most watched political stories this year, the Democratic nominee is fighting for an unknown Libertarian to be in the debates.
He's unknown, but happens to be named Kennedy. Joe Kennedy, even -- the same name as the controversial political patriarch. No family relation.
Favorite to win-it-all Martha Coakley, the Dems' Attorney General, is fighting to include Kennedy in the two WBZ TV and radio debates next week. Republican Scott Brown, who happens to be the father of American Idol heartthrob Ayla Brown, wants to keep the Libertarians out. Presumably because as the underdog, he needs to take on the Democrat with as few diversions as possible.
If you are a member of a third party in America -- regardless if it is the Green Party on the Left or the Libertarians on the Right -- the cards are stacked against you. The Democrats and Republicans make it virtually impossible for newcomers to get on the ballot, get into the debates and the media usually ignores you.
Experience the daunting challenges of third party candidates up-close-and-personal with "Crashing The Parties," our chilling documentary about life on the campaign trail.
Perfect for the political renegade in your life this holiday season!
By Al Ward
If you watched TV at all last week you probably saw at least some of the non-stop coverage of Ted Kennedy's wake and funeral. Our HD camera crews were hired for 3 days of 24-hour coverage for ABC. When I arrived before dawn that Friday morning, about 50 people were already lined up in front of the JFK library even though it'd be three more hours before the doors opened.
We were filming live shots for network affiliates, and very quickly I saw the 50 people grow to 500, and then again to almost 5,000 men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds. One FOX cameraman turned to me amazed and noted that unlike the huge crowd in front of us, we were getting paid to be out there.
I couldn't help but think what it would take for someone to stand in line for several hours, waiting only for a 45-second walk past a casket.
Ted Kennedy had been my Senator my entire life. There were things I liked about him and things I didn't like about him. I never had really strong feelings either way for him. This final act in his storied life did finally reach me though. Politics aside, I am blown away by how he touched so many lives in such a positive way.
I could only dream of living a life that affects so many people so profoundly.