Before many of the nation’s voters watch presidential candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush during their first national debate, supporters of Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader will be protesting in Des Moines. Protesters are upset that the National Commission of Presidential Debates will not let third-party candidates participate. In order to qualify for the national debates, a candidate must have 15 percent of public support in various polls, said Dianne Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics. Third-party supporters are holding a protest today at 10 a.m. at the Iowa Democratic Party Headquarters, 5661 Fleur Drive, Des Moines. “Issues aren’t going to be debated,” said Jeremy Varner, president of Students for Nader. “Democrats and Republicans agree on main issues and disagree on a few.” Varner, senior in history, said the third parties “put the issues on the table.” “[It’s] a tough issue for the commission,” Bystrom said. “I see how debates should be inclusive, but where do you stop?” Some mainstream political supporters also believe the debates should include major third-party candidates. “I disagree with the fact that they are excluded, because they receive government contributions and receive a percentage of the vote,” said Debbie Kattenhorn, president of the ISU Democrats. Varner said he wants people to “keep issues in mind and ignore the rhetoric” while watching the debates. “People are really receptive to third parties,” Varner said. “Nader has a strong base [on campus].” As an alternative to learning about candidates through the debates, Bystrom said the Internet is a way for students to inform themselves about the third-party candidates.