DNC planning presidential primary TV debates for 2019: report
By John Bowden - 08/25/18 10:21 AM EDT
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is in the "very early stages" of planning for a series of televised debates in 2019, a party official said Saturday.
The Associated Press reports that a DNC official says the party is planning for several debates to occur months before the first primary states of Iowa and New Hampshire vote.
The move, directed by DNC Chairman Tom Perez, is meant to allow the party to effectively choose from a field of candidates that the AP reports could range as high as two dozen.
“The DNC’s goal is to have a debate process that is transparent, fair, impartial and inclusive,†senior party adviser Mary Beth Cahill told the AP.
Vice Chairman Michael Blake added to the news service that the party is studying the 2016 Republican party primary for lessons to be learned about winnowing down a large field of candidates without appearing to play favorites.
“It’s hard with that many,†Blake told the AP. “Are we starting to talk about it and think about it? Yes. Are we anywhere close to resolved? No.â€
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http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/403585-dnc-planning-presidential-primary-tv-debates-for-2019