WI: the debates were open to all?

how would things be different if the league of women voters had in 1976 let any one on the ballot in enough sates to get 270 electoral votes debate?
 
That would be a lot better than the current system. As it stands a candidate must be invited, and the only way to be invited is to pull 15%.

1976: Not much change really. Might butterfly the gaffe that Ford and Carter both later credited with deciding the election. Ford might just pull it out.

1980: Carter refused to be a part of any debate with Anderson. As a result, Reagan and Anderson debated each other, then Reagan debated Carter. No change, as Carter is still destroyed. Anderson might win a state or two.

1984: Don't know enough to comment. No change I can see.

1988: Ron Paul might get some real traction.

1992: Throw the libertarians in and you have some real fireworks. Could go either way. Clinton or Bush.

1996: Perot would crack 10%. The Reform Party probably wouldn't implode like it did in OTL.

2000: Nader cracks 5% and gets his federal funds. Bush wins fair and square, avoiding the Florida fiasco.

2004: See above.
 

Anaxagoras

Banned
Due only to the fact that more Americans would be aware of their existence, you would see more support for the Greens and the Libertarians. It would probably be enough for them to have some influence on the state legislative level (Libertarians by working with the Republicans, Greens by working with the Democrats), and they would also win some seats in the House of Representatives. But the Republicans and Democrats would still dominate American politics.
 
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