Why is Democratic Party clamping down on debates?

[leftcoastmountains]

OP-ED Peter Burling Former New Hampshire state senator and Democratic National Committee delegate

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/opinions/burling-democratic-debates/index.html


-For example, why does the DNC think it is important to impose an unprecedented banishment rule against any Democratic candidate feisty enough to participate in an unsanctioned debate?

For Bernie Sanders, who gathers up an audience of 10,000 people almost without breaking a sweat, this rule must seem like a pair of handcuffs custom crafted to control his behavior.

Sen. Sanders is openly suggesting that he will invite a Republican to debate right now. If he does so, will he be barred from other Democratic debates? We don't know what will happen if the DNC tries to impose such punishment on one of our top candidates, but I've got a pretty good idea.

[global1]

1. There's Power In Numbers......

Other than Hillary - the other Dem candidates should get together and hold a debate. They can all agree on that. They can invite Hillary and if she declines there would be an empty spot at a podium where Hillary should be. She would look bad. If the DNC barred these candidates from the debates - Hillary would be debating herself at a DNC sanctioned debate.

Overall, DWS and the DNC would look pretty silly and would have a tough time explaining their way out of that conundrum.

[jonno99]

3. Excellent idea. nt

[daleanime]

8. That would only work if you could get all....

the other candidates together. Since I'm willing to bet that at least one(or two) are running to be Vice-president, I don't think that's likely.

[Senator Tankerbell]

2. I really don't understand

What is the purpose of preventing candidates from participating in whatever debates they choose to participate in? I can understand limiting the number of DNC sponsored events. There may be cost constraints or other considerations. But how would it harm the DNC if candidates participated in other debates? Can someone explain the logic here?

[Vincardog]

5. The purpose is to discourage people from discussing ISSUES and POLICIES. The less that

Happens the more likely the "inevitable one" can coast into the nomination and continue the corporatization of Amerika.

[SoapBox]

6. The more they see Ms. Inevitable...

The more they are going to be reminded of why they don't like her.

I wonder if DWS will try to limit what is said and whether candidates will have to respond to questions from other candidates? 'Cause I'm thinking Bernie could eat her lunch.

[Vincardog]

7. Yes yes no and yes

[Enthusiast]

4. The DNC is wrong.