Democrats to hold 6 primary debates, 1st in Nevada
O’Malley says limit is ‘a real mistake’
The Democratic Party announced Thursday it will hold six debates with its presidential candidates, starting with a session Oct. 13 in Nevada.
“These six debates will not only give caucusgoers and primary voters ample opportunity to hear from our candidates about their vision for our country’s future,” said Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, “they will highlight the clear contrast between the values of the Democratic Party, which is focused on strengthening the middle class vs. Republicans who want to pursue out-of-touch and out-of-date policies.”
The field of candidates for the Democratic nomination includes former secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley, former Virginia senator Jim Webb and former Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee.
Vice President Biden is reportedly considering a bid.
Details on the debates will be provided later.
Clinton enjoys a big lead in many polls, and her opponents have clamored for a debate schedule. Some Democrats have said they want more than six showdowns with the former first lady.
“The head of the DNC seems to be taking it upon themselves to limit the number of debates that are held this year, and I think it’s a real mistake,” O’Malley said this week.
Republican National Committee spokeswoman Allison Moore said the relative lack of debates shows the Democratic Party “is clearly putting its thumb on the scale” for Clinton.
“It’s clearer than ever the Democrat Party wants nothing more than a coronation for Hillary Clinton,” Moore said.
These will be the first Democratic debates since 2008, when then-senator Barack Obama battled Clinton and others.