The DNC is announcing 12 presidential primary debates over the course of the 2020 cycle. Six debates will be held in 2019, and another six in 2020. The first two debates will occur in June and July of 2019, and the final debate is scheduled for April of 2020.
We want to make sure voters in every state hear directly from the candidates. That’s why no early-state debates will be held until 2020. Nor will the DNC prohibit candidates from participating in additional forums, as long as only one candidate appears on stage at a time.
We also want to ensure a level playing field for each candidate. To that end, if necessary, the first two debates will be split into consecutive nights. Participating candidates will be chosen by random selection, which will be done publicly. This will allow candidates to make their case without starting at a disadvantage.
And unlike in previous cycles, we won’t just focus on polling to determine which candidates get a spot in the first two debates. We’ll also be taking into account other measures such as grassroots fundraising.
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