Thousands of protesters gathered before the presidential debate Tuesday, championing issues from campaign finance reform to the right of third-party candidates to be included in the matchup between Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush. Demonstrators from all points on the political spectrum were represented. Anti-death penalty advocates mingled with people protesting China’s treatment of the Falun Gong spiritual movement. People calling for manned missions to Mars were near a group of Palestinians decrying Israeli military action.