The Independent Presidential Debate was January 28, 2016. I was very prepared and very excited! On stage, the candidates did not know in real-time about broadcast problems including lost audio signals and camera angles that did not include all candidates. Many of us had arranged “watch parties” around the country so there was great frustration and disappointment for our supporters during the Debate and for all of us after it ended.

In hindsight, I’d say the concept of Independent Presidential Debates is critical for reclaiming American politics for We the People and, more importantly, the event did take place. I’d like to sincerely thank Verone Thomas for coming up with the idea, inviting all the Presidential candidates and then working with John Fitzgerald Johnson to make it happen.

For me, the most extraordinary development this week has been the bonding that occurred among several Presidential candidates. After the debate, three candidates (pictures here) and my Florida campaign manager had dinner followed up with a breakfast conversation about how together we might support independent politics in America! We are convinced the 2-party system is broken. What would happen if the independent movement grew even stronger as the most credible Presidential candidates joined forces to spread the Independent and 3rd Party message? More on this new alliance soon!

Major Announcements:

The morning after the debate I started announcing parts of my 50-state strategy to win the White House:

I will be on the June 7 California Presidential Primary ballot as one of four nominees of the Peace and Freedom Party of California. This is the first time in American history a ballot-certified party sent a slate of all women Presidential candidates forward to a Secretary of State! The final slate will be released by the Secretary’s office around February 8. For me, given that my first (1988) book was titled Peacemaking the appeal of the Peace and Freedom Party is very personal: this is the only political party in the United States that highlights Peace and International Justice in its platform.

The Peace and Freedom Party was born from the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s. While I do not agree with all the listed elements of their platform, I do wholeheartedly support their vision: We organize toward a world where cooperation replaces competition, a world where all people are well fed, clothed and housed; where all women and men have equal status; where all individuals may freely endeavor to fulfill their own talents and desires; a world of freedom and peace where every community retains its cultural integrity and lives with all others in harmony. If any registered California voter or current California resident wants to help me win the June 7 California Presidential Primary on the Peace and Freedom Party ballot line please let me know.

I am actively seeking the Presidential nomination of the Reform Party based on my respect and admiration for a moderate, centrist party platform that I know exactly how to implement as President! The Reform Party calls for fiscal responsibility; fair taxation; an “America First” approach to job creation; affordable and accessible healthcare; access and accountability in education; high ethical standards across government with oversight; a balanced environmental policy; energy independence from foreign sources; a foreign policy that respects the sovereignty of all nations; national security policies based on secure national borders; and support for the Principles established in the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Regarding social issues, the Reform Party takes no stance as an organization.

I will be attending the State Nominating Convention of the Reform Party of North Carolina at the end of February. This is a new and growing party that has adopted the national Reform Party platform as described above. I loved meeting with leaders in the North Carolina Reform Party – regular folks that truly speak for We the People! If anyone wants to help this party become ballot-certified please let me know.

I am actively seeking the nomination of The American Party of South Carolina – a centrist party founded by a Democrat and a Republican! I strongly believe in the four principles of the American Party of South Carolina: 1) Legislate and Govern from the Middle — where common ground and problem solving occur; 2) Increase the Economic Global Competitiveness of the United States; 3) Stop the Growth of the Political Class and Career Politicians; and 4) Hold Political Parties Accountable for Their Candidates and Officeholders.

I also support the party’s 10 national priorities: the national debt; public education; healthcare; Second Amendment rights with reasonable regulations; tax reform; immigration reform; campaign finance reform; ethics standards across government; independent redistricting commissions; and giving every voter the right to recall elected officials who have violated the public trust. This is a party with principles and priorities that will benefit all Americans.

That was an amazing week – historic I’d say!