Democrats Will Hold Six Presidential Primary Debates

[lovemydog]

WASHINGTON -- Democrats announced Tuesday that they plan to hold six official debates between Democratic candidates seeking the presidential nomination in 2016.

Beginning later this fall, each of the debates will be held in one of four early primary and caucus states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

“Our debate schedule will not only give Democratic voters multiple opportunities to size up the candidates for the nomination side-by-side, but will give all Americans a chance to see a unified Democratic vision of economic opportunity and progress – no matter whom our nominee may be," Democratic National Committee Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said in a statement.

more here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/05/democrats-presidential-debates_n_7214218.html

[mike_c]

1. for the first time in years I'm actually looking forward...

...to democratic primary debates. In the past they have always managed to exclude strong voices from the party's left. I don't think that will happen this year-- in fact, I think that's what the debate will be about this year: who will energize the left? I think we'll hear competing visions for the nation's future, rather than hot air about slogans. Gawd I hope so!

[winter is coming]

2. So many political debates are little more than platforms to air soundbites that don't address

the questions being asked. I hope these debates will be different.

[MissDeeds]

3. I think with Bernie in the mix

it will be issues driven, at least for his part. I really think we'll see a new dynamic.

[MineralMan]

4. Something to look forward to, for sure!

[WillyT]

5. Hmmm... Curious That...

Any candidate who decides to participate in the debate process must agree to do so exclusively, making them ineligible to participate in any debates organized by third-party groups. If candidates deviate from this rule, they lose the ability to take part in any remaining debates hosted by the Democratic Party.

A senior adviser to one 2016 campaign told The Huffington Post that the exclusivity clause came as a "complete shock." Officials from the DNC, the adviser said, had assured all likely Democratic presidential campaigns when negotiations over the debate schedule began months ago that no such clause would be used. The adviser further argued that holding only six debates would be disadvantageous to candidates who have relatively low name-recognition across the country.

DNC Communications Director Mo Elleithee confirmed that the clause wasn't a part of the early negotiation process, but maintained that all options were left on the table. He further argued that voters would ultimately be best served by a controlled debate schedule.

And...

Responding to the announcement on Twitter, Clinton suggested that she was on board with the DNC plan.

"While GOP debates the same failed policies, Democrats will debate how to help families get ahead. Looking forward to a real conversation," she said.

O'Malley's camp, however, took issue with the DNC's new exclusivity rule.

"If Governor O'Malley decides to run, we will expect a full, robust, and inclusive set of debates -- both nationally and in early primary and caucus states. This has been customary in previous primary seasons. In a year as critical as 2016, exclusivity does no one any favors," said Lis Smith, the governor's spokeswoman.

Same Article as OP.

[lovemydog]

6. Yeah, what's up with that exclusivity?

Why did they do this? Does anyone know?

[liberal_at_heart]

7. Our two party system is broken. I'm just glad to see Bernie in the mix to stir things up.

[KittyWampus]

8. Bernie Sanders in the debates will be a joy to behold.

[hifiguy]

10. Indeed he will.

He is fearless.

[GeorgeGist]

9. System rigging in place.

√

[WillyT]

11. That's What It Sounds Like...