15 Arrested, Three Injured as Police Pushed Back Debate Protestors

Be The Media reports that outside last night's presidential debate there was "pandemonium" as members of Iraq Veterans Against the War attempted to enter the debate perimeter: "According to eyewitnesses, after the protesters tried to cross the street to enter the Hofstra campus, mounted police pushed the crowd back onto the sidewalk, causing at least three people to be trampled under police horses."

Two videos AFTER THE JUMP, of Sergeant Jason Wayne Lemieux, USMC, and Sergeant Liam Madden, USMC and co-chair, IVAW, explaining what happened.

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I am all for freedom of speech, but this was not a town hall meeting. If they wanted Obama and Mcsame to hear them, then they should of tried to get into last week's debate.

Posted by: Dairyqueen | Oct 16, 2008 8:33:53 AM
Interesting, were these the same folks that were routinely hauled out of the Exel Convention Center as McCain was giving his acceptance speech?

Posted by: Rad | Oct 16, 2008 9:04:28 AM
I disagree DAIRYQUEEN. This is time for dialogue; and frankly I don't think there has been enough demonstrations to show the discontent.

It strikes me as more than a little ironic that the veterans of the war are protesting for the end of the war at a time like this. These men and women have put their lives on the line for the country and deserves a voice in the public discussion.

Perhaps another indicator that the country has strayed in the wrong direction and needs to change.

Posted by: Jason87 | Oct 16, 2008 9:11:31 AM
Marines are yummy.

Posted by: JeffRob | Oct 16, 2008 9:32:45 AM
What the hell is wrong with the police? You don't back people against a wall and then CHARGE at them with a horse!! I hope they get sued up the ass!

Posted by: soulbrotha | Oct 16, 2008 11:04:01 AM

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