Bella shut out of Presidential Debate! Attempts to join Gore and Bush in St. Louis are thwarted by Dem/Repub lackies. Tues., Oct. 17, 2000 Manx Party candidate Bella was escorted from this evening's Presidential Debate after attempting to voice her concerns for America. Midway through the pivotal debate, held at Washington University in St. Louis, the feisty feline came out from nowhere and appeared on-camera directly behind Vice President Gore. "What about health care for cats - and dogs, and other pets?", said the diminutive domestic. "These candidates have no plan for homeless cats! I came from a shelter to become a Presidential contender. But what about the millions of others who never escape their cages - or worse?!" Moments later, several humans surrounded the meowing Bella, attempting to grab the cat's non-existent tail. Realizing the futility of this, the exasperated thugs grasped her midsection, dragging her off the stage and into a waiting St. Louis Animal Pound car. "This is a fair plan," Mr. Bush said. The debate resumed without further disruption. VP Candidate Douglas arrived at the pound a few hours later, paying a fee and adopting Bella. Bella is reported to be resting at her home in Chicago, in preparation for a vigorous half-hour of campaigning on Thursday. Visit Bella's Scratching Post