I think this column might have been more effective with some background information on Ms. Stein and her politics. Obviously, both she and Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson, are benefiting from not being Ms. Clinton or Mr. Trump.  The public is well aware of the short comings of those two.  Name calling them ignorant, bigoted, shifty, etc. adds nothing to an understanding of Stein or her policies. 
As a Johnson supporter I can say that both he and LP vice presidential nominee Bill Weld are former two term governors. They achieved high ranks for fiscal conservatism while supporting many liberal causes; such as gay rights and drug policy reform.  
I have advocated that both Johnson (who is at about 10% in national polls)  and Stein (who is about 5%)  be included in the national debates.  Hopefully, the media will insist that they are and we can all learn more about them.  
Tracy Ryan 
Chair, The Libertarian Party of Hawaii