2016 Presidential Debates: Hillary Clinton 'Open' for More Democratic Party Debates
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) scheduled six primary debates, which resulted in uproar from Democratic presidential candidates.
Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley, a former Maryland governor, has been the most vocal on calling the DNC in "rigging" the primary debates to only six. He even went on to criticize the DNC during its summer meeting in Minneapolis next to DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, congresswoman for Florida's 23rd Congressional District.
Wasserman Schultz was apparently not pleased with requests to increase the number of primary debates. Notably, after O'Malley's Minneapolis speech, Wasserman Schultz reportedly thanked O'Malley for his time and simply said, "I have more class than that."
Fellow presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, an independent Vermont senator, disagreed with the DNC's six debates. He said the DNC was "dead wrong" and encouraged more debates.
With the growing pressure on the DNC, Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton also indicated support for more debates. Speaking to reporters in New Hampshire, Clinton said, "I am open to whatever the DNC decides to set up. That's their decision. I debated a lot in 2008, and I would certainly be there with lots of enthusiasm and energy if they decide to add more debates."
Following Clinton's comments, John Bivona, New Hampshire state director for the O'Malley for President campaign, said the burden further builds on Wasserman Schultz and the DNC.
"Now that both Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders have joined Governor O'Malley's call for more debates, it is time for Chairwoman Wasserman-Schultz and the Democratic National Committee to take themselves out of this process and end the unprecedented exclusivity rule," said Bivona in a statement.
"It's time to have a real debate about how to make wages rise again, how to rein in reckless behavior on Wall Street, and how to give every student the option of debt-free college. It's time to give voters the opportunity to see their candidates for President of the United States on the same stage, side by side, laying out their visions for the future," he added.
In comparison to the six Democratic primary debates, the Republican National Committee (RNC) have scheduled 12 primary debates.
In a statement announcing the debates, Wasserman Schultz said the six primary debates will give caucus and primary voters "ample opportunity to hear from our candidates about their vision for our country's future, they will highlight the clear contrast between the values of the Democratic Party which is focused on strengthening the middle class versus Republicans who want to pursue out of touch and out of date policies."
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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Politics Editor Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.
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