Allowing on a debate platform everyone who wants to (a) run for office or (b) participate in a political debate for some other reason is not a good idea, in my opinion. Right now, I don't know what all the criteria should be and don't want to hold up this blog entry until I think it through. However, surely, if you manage to get yourself on the ballot, despite all the obstacles Democratic and Republican legislators set up, you should be allowed to participate in a debate for that office.