Six Democratic Debates Set for 2016 Primary Cycle

The Democratic National Committee has released its official plan to host six primary debates for the 2016 presidential primary while also issuing a threat to candidates that accept any unsanctioned debate invitation or forum, according to news outlets.

Each of the early primary states – Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada – will host a single debate, according to the official schedule. Two other debates will be held in February or March in Florida or Wisconsin.

The release of the schedule was roundly denounced by everyone but the party insiders, including two presidential candidates that called for more debates.

Former Gov. Martin O’Malley’s New Hampshire campaign quickly latched onto the DNC proposal today calling it ridiculous but not surprising from the D.C. crowd.

On a conference call, O’Malley for President NH State Director John Bivona said New Hampshire voters like him were “swayed by big ideas” and candidates that actually go out and meet first-in-the-nation primary voters in intimate settings, as has historically been done for generations.

“It’s simply wrong,” he said. “(The DNC) debate plan should be viewed as a non-starter.”

Matthew Sheaff, O’Malley’s NH Deputy state director, said that so many people were still making up their minds, even late in the process and late decision making was not abnormal. He added, “That’s why the inevitable candidate doesn’t always do well … frankly, one opportunity (to debate) … it’s absolutely ridiculous.” Sheaff said news outlet should be able to extend invitations to candidates without there being fear of what’s going to happen to the candidates that accept those invites.

“It’s simply unacceptable,” Bivona said. “It’s DC bigfooting at its worse. The DNC should have no role in this process. Candidates should be able to participate without retribution.”

The retribution comments came after The Daily Beast noted in a story earlier this week that Democratic candidates that strayed from the rules would be punished, according to DNC officials.

Bernie Sanders, another Democratic presidential candidate, said he was “disappointed, but not surprised,” by the DNC’s six debate limit.

“At a time when many Americans are demoralized about politics and have given up on the political process, I think it’s imperative that we have as many debates as possible – certainly more than six,” he said. “I look forward to working with the DNC to see if we can significantly expand the proposed debate schedule.”

Politicos noted on social media that there were three debates in New Hampshire during the 2008 campaign, with Wikipedia tracking 26 different debates and forums. By the end of this week in 2007, there had already been eight debates and forums. So far for Democrats, there have been no debates or forums in the 2016 cycle.

Ray Buckley, the chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, however, in a statement, said the state org was “proud to be a co-host of the New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Debate in December” and he was looking forward to the candidates discussing their visions for the future of the country.

According to NECN, here are the locations and dates of the six debates:

• Oct. 13, 2015: CNN in Nevada
• Nov. 14: CBS/KCCI/Des Moines Register in Des Moines, IA
• Dec. 19: ABC/WMUR in Manchester, NH
• Jan. 17, 2016: NBC/Congressional Black Caucus Institute in Charleston, SC.
• February or March: Univision/Washington Post, Miami, FL
• February or March: PBS in Wisconsin