Democrats schedule 6 primary debates starting in October

The first debate will be on October 13 in Nevada, co-hosted by CNN and the state’s Democratic Party, followed by a November 14 debate in Des Moines hosted by CBS, KCCI, and the Des Moines Register. The two states vote earliest in the primary process that determines a party’s presidential nominee.

The Democrats are hosting about half of the 11 debates that the Republicans now plan to hold throughout the primary process. That event will be preceded by the kickoff debate in Nevada on October 13.

“If anything, it seems geared toward limiting debate and facilitating a coronation, not promoting a robust debate and primary process”, he said.

Underdog candidates Martin O’Malley and Bernie Sanders have been calling for the DNC to allow for more debates, in hopes of gaining additional chances to face off against front-runner Hillary Clinton.

“With six debates scheduled – at a pace of roughly one per month – voters will have ample opportunities to hear our candidates discuss their visions for our country’s future”, Wasserman Schultz wrote Thursday in a post on Medium.

Both parties have sought to reduce the number of debates being held. His campaign has collected signatures of those wanting earlier and more frequent debates.

Vice President Biden is still considering entering the race, and would be the seventh Democrat. “A meaningful primary requires a serious discussion of issues among the candidates themselves”.

“I’m sure there will be lots of other forums for the candidates to make their case to voters, and that they will make the most out of every opportunity”, DNC spokeswoman Holly Shulman said.

The party has not yet announced the qualification criteria for selection and inclusion of participants in those debates. “She prides herself on doing very well in debates”, he said. Jim Webb, and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee are additionally within the operating.

Here’s the Democrats’ full six-debate schedule.

Republicans are holding nine debates beginning on Thursday and stretching into March.

The Republican National Committee has also shown a firmer hand this election cycle.