DNC eyes convention cities, debates, rule changes

[left-of-center2012]

WASHINGTON —
Eight cities are in consideration to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention as the party prepares for a presidential contest that is expected to include an unusually large number of candidates.
The cities are: Atlanta; Denver; Houston; New York; San Francisco; Milwaukee; Miami Beach; and Birmingham.

Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee, is eyeing several cities for its own 2020 convention, including Las Vegas and Charlotte, North Carolina, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Charlotte hosted Democrats' 2012 convention. Las Vegas was once considered taboo for party confabs.

DNC Chairman Tom Perez said the party has also started preparing for primary debates, which could be unusually tricky next year given the large number of candidates expected to run.
"We'll manage that," Perez told reporters at a DNC event in Washington Wednesday, noting that the first debate could be just over a year away. "We're going to have a very robust field. There's an incredible number of really qualified people."

The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee on Wednesday held another meeting on changes to the party's primary and caucus process, along with its so-called superdelegates, both of which were contentious issues in the contest between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
The changes will decrease the influence of superdelegates — officials who can vote however they want, regardless of how voters in their states’ feel — and push more states to use primaries instead of caucuses, which are are more difficult for voters to participate in.

The new rules will be finalized at a full DNC meeting in August.

[bettyellen]

1. I'd love more debates if they are earlier! But not any against the GOP unless you win the primary.

That’s another norm I want back.

[DFW]

2. Out of that "incredible number of really qualified people" I hope it quickly narrows down

Like, down to three or four people who turn out to be just DYNAMITE candidates, any of which we would be thrilled to have as president. Well-spoken, up on the issues, convincing, sincere and with a sense of both humor AND justice. I would NOT want a Republican-style circus.

Then the also-rans can throw in behind the primary winner, and have a harmonious, united campaign, with the also-rans being not only qualified for cabinet positions or leadership positions in Congress, but also pulling weight FOR out ticket instead of being a drag on it with "oh, well, if you insist" support. No more Rahm Emmanuel. No more Dennis Kucinich. Sanders I don't include, as he is not a member of our party. If he has something to contribute to the discourse, by all means, let's hear it. But NOT as part of our primary selection process. I respect his decision to leave the party after the 2016 primary season. I would NOT respect a return-of-convenience.

[Garrett78]

3. Caucuses really do need to go. Caucuses are disenfranchising--leave that to Republicans.

As for the city, I would go with Atlanta or Milwaukee.

[left-of-center2012]

4. I'd choose ...

San Francisco for the Democrats;
and
Charlotte, NC for the GOP (more KKK might show up in NC)

[UTUSN]

5. My problem: Pick a solid Dem state, pick a "swing" area, or does it matter?!1