DNC: Yes, We’re Planning 2016 Primary Debates

While the Republican National Committee was quick to get out a schedule of sanctioned primary debates, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has been taking time to determine whether primary debates would be necessary. There is now word, from Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, that the DNC is planning a series of debates for Hillary Clinton and her would-be opponents.

Report from The Hill:

Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) says she’s still planning for primary debates, in expectation of a challenge to presidential contender Hillary Clinton.

“I expect the voters who believe we should have a Democratic primary will get their wish,” Wasserman Schultz told C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” during a video interview from Manchester, N.H.

Party officials were thus mapping out a “series of sanctioned debates that we expect our presidential candidates to participate in,” she added.

Wasserman Schultz said she had already spoken with Clinton, the clear Democratic frontrunner, and other likely candidates about a possible primary down the road.
Clinton, who announced her run last Sunday, remains the only official Democratic candidate. A number of others though have said they are weighing a run.

The DNC chairwoman mentioned Vice President Biden, former Gov. Martin O’Malley (Md.), former Sen. Jim Webb (Va.) and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chaffee as other likely contenders.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), she added, would be a welcome entrant provided he switched party affiliations for the primary.

As noted, Hillary Clinton is the only announced Democratic candidate at the moment. Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is planning to decide on a run by sometime in May.