This new hit to the commission’s credibility comes shortly after its high-handedness led to the cancellation of the second debate. It announced the debate would be virtual before the candidates had agreed to it. Mr. Trump wouldn’t attend, and the debate was killed. As for the commission being made up of Democrats and Republicans, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole says he knows every Republican on the commission and it concerns him that not one supports Mr. Trump.
The Commission on Presidential Debates is an example of another institution that seemed like a good idea but over time has become a creature of Washington’s political class. Its moderators typically tilt left and it acts as if it’s bigger than the candidates. This year should be its last as the arbiter of debates. If it won’t go away on its own, the next GOP nominee should refuse to cooperate and negotiate the rules and timing of the debates in 2024 with the Democratic nominee.
