While much of the media focuses on the debate within the Democratic Party over whether or not Hillary Clinton or Barrack Obama will get the presidential nomination, so-called "third party" candidates for the presidency are almost entirely excluded from any discussion of the 2008 election. Ralph Nader, who is running as an independent candidate, is the only exception, although Nader has been covered primarily as a potential "spoiler" who might "take" votes from the Democratic Party candidates.
While Nader's candidacy has received most of the attention, there are several other candidates running for president. Among those who have already received their parties' nominations are Brian Moore of the Socialist Party of the United States of America, Roger Calero with the Socialist Workers Party, and Gene Amondson of the Prohibition Party (his vice presidential candidate, Leroy Pletten is from Michigan). Additionally, the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Constitution Party have yet to nominate candidates but have several running for their party's nomination.
Third parties in the United State have of course faced substantial obstacles in recent years, including an almost complete neglect in the media, exclusion from presidential debates, and substantial ballot access requirements.
As soon as it is announced who will be on the ballot in Michigan, Media Mouse will explore the platforms of the third party candidates in more detail as part of future Election Watch articles, as we can be sure that the corporate media outlets--and even many progressive news websites--in Michigan will not.
Election Unspun had interviews with two third party candidates recently.
The Socialist Party USA candidate:
http://www.electionunspun.org/issues/50-third-party/184-socialist-party-of-america-candidate-brian-moore
The Libertarian Party "front runner":
http://www.electionunspun.org/issues/50-third-party/185-libertarian-candidate-wayne-allyn-root
funny how you're doing an entry about the media ignoring candidates yet you chose to not include ron paul in your entry.. I am guessing you will say that he does receive his share of media coverage.
I honestly forgot that Ron Paul was in the race still. I thought he dropped out in early March because he is now unable to win via the Republican Party ticket since their nominee has been decided. Moreover, it is my understanding that he does not want to run as a third party candidate.
At any rate, there was also no mention of Mike Gravel because this focused on third party candidates. However, I would obviously agree that Ron Paul does not receive an equal amount of media coverage.