After the Democratic National Committee announced in May that it would sanction just six presidential primary debates, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) objected.
He wrote DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz a letter calling for a “a series of debates beginning this summer.” He urged supporters to sign a petition requesting the same. And he told Chuck Todd, moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” that he’d like to debate Republican presidential candidates, too.
Those pleas, apparently, fell on deaf ears.
On Thursday, the DNC unveiled its debate schedule — and it still plans to allow just six. In a written statement, Sanders said he was “disappointed, but not surprised” by the news.
“At a time when many Americans are demoralized about politics and have given up on the political process, I think it’s imperative that we have as many debates as possible — certainly more than six,” he said. “I look forward to working with the DNC to see if we can significantly expand the proposed debate schedule.”
Four of the DNC’s debates will take place before the all-important Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. Candidates will meet in Nevada on October 13; in Iowa on November 14; in New Hampshire on December 19; and in South Carolina on January 17. Later in the primary season, in February or March, they’ll meet in Florida and Wisconsin.
Thursday’s announcement was widely greeted as good news for Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, who will have fewer chances to stumble on her way to the winter nominating contests. It was seen as bad news for Sanders and other candidates seeking to share the stage with her. Former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley, who has trailed both Clinton and Sanders, appeared most upset with the decision, accusing the DNC of making the process “less democratic.”
“If anything, it seems geared toward limiting debate and facilitating a coronation, not promoting a robust debate and primary process,” O’Malley said in a statement.
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“Sanders ‘Disappointed’ by Democratic Debate Schedule” — as well he should be. There is little doubt that in that setting, Bernie would likely kick Grandma’s can! And yep, he’d be fun to watch going up against the Donald and goofy Rand Paul, et al, Here’s the scoop:
1. G-ma ‘owns’ the DNC and the drive-by networks like NBC, ABC, CBS and CNN.
2. Note only 6 debates and they start in October and run each month into February. The roll-out extends out in anticipation that as time goes on, Bernie and O’Mall start to fizzle out, especially with ongoing needed $$$. (Millions and millions — not like 15 million.)
3. The Clinton Machine wants to avoid face to face time with G-ma and Bernie. They fear Bernie.
4. If anything, as time goes on and in their hopes Bernie is sputtering on bucks, they would much rather see her debate a regular Dem – enter Joey Biden.
5. A cross party pre-convention debate isn’t gonna happen. Party leadership is fearful of the unknown and won’t allow.
G-ma will do anything to win. It has been said she’s ‘gotten rid’ of friends when they oppose (Vince). She and randy husband Bill have defied moral issues and lied to Congress. They will do anything. This IS her last chance.
She fears Bernie…
“Sanders ‘Disappointed’ by Democratic Debate Schedule”
Six debates! That’s plenty! Especially since they’re not debates anyway, they’re just opportunities for ruthless politicians to shout out their poll-tested talking points, Bernie included
Is there absolutely anything — ANYTHING — that Uncle Grumpy won’t whine about?