Why is Sanders being treated as a serious participant in any Presidential debate? He's not a Republican or a Democrat. He's an independent and thus should be treated just as the Libertarians and a number of other 3rd party groups have been treated over the years. In other words, purposefully ignored.
I note, too, the MSM gives Bernie a great deal more attention than they have ever given any 3rd party candidate. While it is true he's a sitting senator there does seem to be the usual MSM double standard at play here. After all, Bernie represents only the voters of one of the smallest, and dimmest, states in the Union. Say, could the attention be due to the fact he's a socialist instead of a free market advocate?
One reason he gains standing, is because he has actually been elected to high office, unlike many of the 3rd party attention seekers. Harry Browne, Ralph Nader, etc.
He is running for the nomination from the democrat party, unless I misunderstood something.
I'm becoming increasingly concerned that the political center-right can't even discuss economic topics, convincingly.
The economy crashed. Democrats blame that on the GOP under Bush, and they claim they are responsible for the recovery.
I would really like one-on-one debates, between GOP and dem candidates. Forget about trying to squeeze 15 Republicans onto a stage, and give them 1.75 minutes each.
I would really like to watch Cruz respond to the question: "How do firms like Goldman Sachs generate jobs, and wellbeing for ordinary American citizens? Do they facilitate transfer of jobs to foreign locations? Do they pay taxes in Texas, and in the US? What did you wife do at GS? Do you favor breaking up large financial firms?"