So what if Bloomberg gets to 10% in the polls

[dsc]

but still refuses donations and thus can't be on the debate stage? Now to be clear I neither want nor think this will happen but can the DNC hold the line in terms of debates if a candidate with double the cutoff of support is off the stage while some who barely scrape by are. This is what happens when you try to have hard and fast rules for something like this. Again, I don't think this will happen but if it does, it won't be pretty.

[samnsara]

1. i have not watched a single debate and im not the only one..i cant even tell you who is on......

...the debate stage, except for those always in the news. Look how awful and downright nasty trump was during the debates..and quantifiably stupid.... and he still won the election. I have my mind made up who i am voting for in the primary but i will support whomever happens to win the nom...so why even watch the debates?

[evertonfc]

2. Debates are now irrelevant

With rare exception, debates have little impact now. I don't watch because they are a 10 person shit show. I thin we know where tbese folks stand.

[bluedye33139]

6. At this point the debates are an opportunity

for minor candidates to make paranoid accusations about the DNC.

[rampartc]

3. do you really think bloomberg can get to 10%? what is he now?

that would indicate a complete dissatisfaction with the rest of the field and a popularity that I just don't believe for Bloomberg.

[dsc]

4. No in point of fact I wrote the words I don't think it will happen

but the fact is, it could, and if it does it will be hard to justify keeping him off the stage.

[cwydro]

5. Good point.

I’ve found the debates to be frustrating. Too many people on stage.

[CentralMass]

7. I think that the goal is for him to siphon votes away from Sanders and Warren.

Particularly in the early primary states. Throw Deval Patrick into it as well.

[Hav]

17. You really think that Bloomberg shares the same pool of supporters

like Sanders and Warren? The same Sanders/Warren supporters that would rail against billionaires?
That has become a talking point for some reason and it just doesn't make any sense. It's seems more likely that moderates would be affected by the recent additions you mentioned.

[beachbumbob]

8. the real problem with Bloomberg would be his attempt at running 3rd party AND russian bots

coming in to syphon off democratic votes like it did with Stein. Playing this "primary" game with democrats gives him needed exposure around america. The guy is a republican, thru and thru

[dsc]

10. He isn't going to do that

as much as I don't like his views on some issues and his GOP past, he very much hates Trump and won't do anything to help Trump win.

[BannonsLiver]

12. "And won't do anything to help Trump win."

Hmmmm seems like he may be doing that now.

[Iggo]

19. He probably hates Trump more than he loves his money.

Probably.

[TidalWave46]

9. I think the rules are pretty fair. Not perfect, but fair.

Under what you state Bloomberg will not have earned a spot on the state. He knew the rules when he got in. We have seen that the level of support set in the rules seems to be pretty fair.

[brooklynite]

11. Answer: if Bloomberg gets to 10% he doesn't need the debates...

[Demsrule86]

13. Rules are rules...we don't want billionaires buying the nomination.

[aikoaiko]

14. If this happens, I will be grateful to see Bloomberg blocked out.

He knew the rules and he made his choices.

But then again, it may be a strategy for Bloomberg. He appears to want to avoid the normal vetting process.

[dsc]

15. It could wind up being problematic for his competitors

which is a whole other can of worms.

[aikoaiko]

16. Yes it could.

[Eric J in MN]

18. Tom Perez told reporter Dave Weigel

...that the debate rules may change once voting starts.

[Amishman]

20. Then he qualifies as an 'also ran' instead of a joke

But he won't get that far

[ehrnst]

22. What makes you think that? (nt)

[Zorro]

23. I think Bloomberg can hold his own

He's no dunce.

I also think that as a candidate he would have a strong appeal to disaffected Republicans and independents. He's an actual real successful businessman.