So, we NOW have a new Democratic debate scheduled before the Iowa caucuses?

[CoffeeCat]

I apologize if I am confused, but I thought the Sunday, January 17 Democratic debate was the last debate before the Iowa caucuses?

"Wasserman Schultz: 'We’re going to have six debates. Period"
Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/democratic-primary-debates-six-debbie-wasserman-schultz-2016-213489#ixzz3xpiIwCg9

Today, there is news of a "Town Hall", hosted by CNN that will be held in Iowa with all of the candidates. Audience members will ask the candidates questions. Candidates will be able to interact and debate with each other. The Town Hall will be held this coming Monday, January 25, one week before the Iowa caucuses.

Is this a new event that was recently organized?

Link to story about the Town Hall:
http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/20/politics/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-martin-omalley-town-hall/index.html

Here is the Democratic debate schedule that has been written in stone for months now:
Oct. 13, 2015
Nov. 14, 2015
Dec. 19, 2015
Jan. 17, 2016
Feb. 11, 2016
March 9, 201

Again, I apologize if I missed this debate. This looks very new to me!

[Cali_Democrat]

1. A Town Hall is not a debate.

6 debates are still scheduled.

[CoffeeCat]

3. Whatever you call it, it is a debate

Last edited Wed Jan 20, 2016, 10:14 PM - Edit history (1)

The Brown and Black Forum in Iowa, had to be completely changed--so that the candidates wouldn't be on the stage together.

Wasserman-Schultz and the DNC demanded that there only be SIX debates. So, the Black and Brown Forum, for the first time EVER was altered with each candidate appearing separately on the stage. Not with each other.

This "Town Hall" is most certainly a debate. Candidates can interact and challenge each other. They'll be on the same stage together.

There will also be a moderator.

Edited to add/clarify: Des Moines Register article clarifies that candidates will appear separately (not together) on stage and they will take questions from Iowa voters in the audience.

[MrChuck]

10. riiiiiight.

Of course, you're correct and the addition of this non-debate has everything to do with the DNC chair's desire to acquiesce to the public outcry for more exposure and nothing to do with HRH's flagging poll numbers.

I understand. It's (not) a debate.

[CorporatistNation]

32. THIS Development IS In Fact.. LAUGHABLE!

As Clinton Incorporated is going down the tubes, now she wants another life preserver? When she was all full of that good ole 'INEVITABILITY/CRUISE CONTROL SHIT... HRC/DWS would have just as soon skipped having any debates period! I am confident that Bernie will kick BIG A once again! Looking forward to it...

[JoePhilly]

30. The people who have been demanding more debates ...

... are now very pissed off that there will be another debate.

There is a reason that I call them the perpetually disgruntled.

No matter what happens, they are pissed.

Even when they get what they have been demanding.

[morningfog]

34. If it is a debate, great. There should be more

But what is the format? What are the rules?

We were given various answers as to why no additional debates. Including, from the shills, that quickly coordinating such an event was impractical and impossible. But the DNC managed to figure out that problem.

But, if the format limits or restricts it in such a way that it isn't a true debate, then the DNC's excused for NOT having another debate become all the more disingenuous.

I hope that helps you understand your confusion. It isn't "perpetual outrage." It justified mistrust of the process.

[JoePhilly]

37. First, the debates are already not actual debates ...

... and they have not been for YEARS.

And I'm curious, what "limits" are you concerned about?

You guys have been saying you want debates in prime time ... on a week night ... and you are getting one.

And man are you guys pissed off about it.

What you are proving is that your paranoia has no bounds. No matter what happens, its a trick!!!!

[morningfog]

41. Check yourself. I am thrilled there will be another debate, if it is.

I'm not pissed about the event even if it isn't a debate.

I use debate in the modern parlance, where the candidates will be able to respond to each other with some point and counter point.

We should have more debates. The is nothing wrong with more town halls.

But the DNC is still full of shit, and their prior positions laid bare.

[GoneFishin]

78. Bingo. Direct hit. " ... the DNC is still full of shit, and their prior positions laid bare. ..."

[wendylaroux]

56. the format will be,

the moderators will say socialists as many times as they can.

and then go from there.

[HerbChestnut]

2. It's not hypocrisy at all...

Debate / Forum...

Yay technicalities!!

[John Poet]

4. They aren't calling it a "debate",

nor does the cnn link you provided say anything about the Democratic candidates being 'able to debate each other', although it's easy to see how that might happen in the context of a town hall event.

So maybe calling it a 'Town Hall' and not a debate, they're able to skirt the DNC's rules...

It does seem like a brand new event, the article is dated today.


And maybe DWS is going to look the other way,
because her candidate is now poised to LOSE in Iowa and New Hampshire...

[Purveyor]

5. Desperation by Camp WeatherVane is what it is but that is

alright.

The more exposure clinton gets, the more she drops in the polls.

[Lawud]

74. That is so true LOL

Posted by Purveyor

"The more exposure clinton gets, the more she drops in the polls"

[cascadiance]

77. Interesting timing... Ed Schultz starts on RT right before the debate and sport event conflicts...

It will be interesting to see how much Ed Schultz covers this debate event in his first show on RT that night the hour before this "debate" starts.

Also of note for those outside the state of Iowa, there are again Iowa sporting event conflicts that might limit some audiences...

Last time they had the debate in Des Moines, the debate was at the same time as the Iowa/Minnesota game where Iowa was going to set a record in undefeated wins for a season that night, and earlier that day in the same stadium, Iowa's wrestling team set a record in attendance at the football stadium against Oklahoma State in a match that matched up 2 top 3 rated programs then.

Now, this year, the state of Iowa for only the second time in history became the second state after North Carolina did it in the 90's to have three different teams in the state beat #1 teams on their home floor (Northern Iowa beat #1 UNC, Iowa beat #1 Michigan State, and just a few days ago Iowa State beat #1 Oklahoma).

http://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/cyclones-third-ia-team-to-knock-off-1

Now at the same time of this debate in eastern Iowa at Drake (the only large Iowa University that hasn't beaten a #1 team yet), Iowa State might do this stunt again if Kansas as the current #3 team is able to advance two spots to #1 before Monday. Iowa State could then in the second game in a week do the same thing again and beat then #1 Kansas at the same time as the debate. Iowa State had only beaten the #1 team one time before they did so a week ago against Oklahoma and that was back in 1957. They're already camping out now to get tickets to this game on Monday.

http://www.weareiowa.com/news/local-news/isu-crazies-are-waiting-a-week-in-the-cold-for-basketball-tickets

Iowa this year is one of only two teams still undefeated in the Big Ten conference this year and is ranked in the top 10 too, but fortunately for debate scheduling plays Purdue on Sunday instead of Monday.

Anyway, if DWS's goal this time is to get more people to watch to help Hillary, she might be having the scheduling work against her goal this time around if a lot of Iowa State University fans are tuning out in eastern Iowa this time around!

[highprincipleswork]

6. This is a last minute event organized because somebody fears things are not going their way.

Kind of a sickness, really, that O'Malley and Sanders can complain for months about lack of coverage and then this can be created overnight.

Now, it is not openly organized by the DNC or sponsored by them, as far as I know, but I don't see or hear anything about this being an event that will then disqualify anybody from other debates (the exclusion clause).

I hope it backfires, like so much else is doing.

[CorporatistNation]

35. Yeah... What About That Fucking "Exclusion Clause? Typical DNC... Rules Are "Fluid"

when the opportunity for insiders to benefit is considered... Or in this case a life preserver is required. Yep, The more WE see of HillBill the less favorably she is viewed... Good... Let her tank a few more points... Probably wants to throw the sickle at Bernie herself... THAT WILL BE THE END IF SHE PULLS THAT STUNT...

[CoffeeCat]

65. You're right, this event is not organized by the DNC

It is being organized by the Iowa Democratic party, spearheaded by Dr. Andy McGuire.

Dr. Andy McGuire is a big Clinton supporter. She served on the following:

--Hillary Clinton's National Council of Civil Leaders (2007)
--Women's Leadership Council for Team Hillary in Iowa.
The latter is a group of Iowa women who are committed to electing Hillary Clinton President of the United States.

Led by McGuire, the Iowa Democratic Party will be organizing this Town Hall. In effect, a long-time Hillary supporter will be deciding who gets in the audience; and who will ask the questions at this town hall.

Gee, I see no conflict of interest here. AT ALL.

[awake]

7. Well I guess this is the rare case where No does not mean No

(Before you flame me I am not suggesting any thing about rape)

As long as Wasserman Schultz thought more debates could hurt Hillary she said "NO" more debates before Iowa but now I guess she has changed her mind.

[SheilaT]

8. I have a feeling Bernie will perform even better

at a Town Hall than any debate.

Bring it on!

[CoffeeCat]

15. I don't know about that...I'm sorry to say

Last edited Wed Jan 20, 2016, 09:46 PM - Edit history (1)

that as an Iowan and someone who experienced the lovely and charming Hillary Clinton in 08 when she was behind--I put nothing past her.

This is a town-hall with audience members asking the questions. Pardon me for being skeptical, but when Hillary was behind in Iowa in 08, she organized her own town-hall, and she planted questions in the audience. She all ready knew the questions being asked.

Another point to consider is who gets into this debate? Ooops, I mean "Town Hall?

Dr. Andy McGuire chairs the Iowa Democratic Party. She is in the tank for Hillary. She is quoted in the article. Will the Iowa Democratic party apparatus be in charge of this debate and decide who gets in the audience and who asks questions. If so, I don't think it's a stretch to suggest that the questions might be favorable to Hillary. If they decide to be really unfair, they could plant questions and make it appear that average Iowa voter favors Hillary and doesn't like Bernie.

"Yes, my question is for Hillary Clinton. I'm afraid that Bernie Sanders is a dirty communist. He doesn't have your foreign-policy experience. Are you as terrified as I am?"

She's pulled this crap before in my state of Iowa! Does anyone really believe that if this was orchestrated FOR her, because her campaign is sinking--that they won't have some tricks up their sleeve?

[CorporatistNation]

40. I Am As A Former Congressional Candidate and Dem Nominee Very Familiar With DWS and Her

Bullshit! I suspect that the whole cabal is in on this with firewall between Hillary from a hard standpoint but to be sure she is "tangentially" in the effing loop! I fully expect plenty of "ringers" in the audience... Who gets chosen, follow ups etc. Who the moderator (using the term loosely) as well is very important. There is plenty of shit that can go down when the crooks are in charge of the venue, format, questions, subject matter etc. Bernie however is very quick on his feet and more confident now after "keelhauling" her last week. Bernie and team must be wary and engaged on this. She was pre advised of the questions the last time there was that single person "Town Hall" held earlier in the campaign.

NOTHING WILL SURPRISE ME! Expect some kind of nonsense without a doubt.

[SheilaT]

73. Do not underestimate Bernie.

Over and over he has stood up to the crap thrown at him. He never flinches. He never gives an off response. Just as the DNC and just as Debbie Wasserman Schultz thought they'd own the primary season by limiting the debates, and just as they were wrong in that assessment, I venture to guess they are equally wrong in thinking that the Town Hall will benefit Hillary. I suspect he will absolutely shine.

[Motown_Johnny]

9. They did at least one other town hall. This is not a debate

because the candidates will not be on stage at the same time.


Yes, this is new. Hillary needs a bigger audience to launch some crazy attacks without fear of direct rebuttal from Bernie and Martin.

[arcane1]

12. "without fear of direct rebuttal from Bernie and Martin." Bingo.

It's a chance for her to talk shit about them, anyway.

[CoffeeCat]

16. How do you know that they won't be on stage simultaneously?

Town Halls that have been held in the past had all candidates on stage.

Have they expressly said that the candidates will be appearing separately?

Edited to add: I just read in a Des Moines Register article that they will be appearing separately.

Good to know.

This just came out of nowhere though! I mean, our Public Television Democratic debate was cancelled and the big news here was that last Sunday's debate was the last time these candidates would appear in a public forum before the caucus.

[Motown_Johnny]

24. OK, I phrased that poorly. You are right.

As I understand it, they will each be interviewed separately and not be addressing each other directly.


My point still stands, it is not a debate.

[CoffeeCat]

62. Yes, I agree with you

and I was wrong. I thought this was a debate that was being slapped with a "Town Hall" label.

After reading further, I see that each candidate will appear alone on stage, answering audience questions.

Regardless of the format, I think this is wrong because I believe it's being orchestrated solely to help Clinton regain some of her lost ground, a week before the Iowa caucuses.

The Iowa Democratic Party is organizing this event. The head of the Iowa Democratic party is Dr. Andy McGuire. In 2007, McGuire served on Hillary Clinton's National Council of of Civil Leaders. McGuire also served on the Women's Leadership Council for Team Hillary. That Council is a group of Iowa women who are committed to electing Hillary Clinton in 2016. http://www.bleedingheartland.com/2015/01/17/three-pros-and-three-cons-of-andy-mcguire-as-iowa-democratic-party-chair-updated/

Given all of this, does anyone actually believe that the selected audience members and the selected questioners will be completely fair to all candidates?

[John Poet]

75. Sure sounds like a set-up to me!

[JoePhilly]

11. The perpetually outraged remain outraged.

Go figure.

[demwing]

17. And the perpetually outrageous remain outrageous.

Go figure.

[CoffeeCat]

21. And the terminally in denial want everyone to be in denial as well

This is a recently organized event. Very new.

Hillary is losing support in Iowa.

You don't have to be "outraged" as you said, to understand that this is being done to give Clinton a forum to try and bolster her campaign.

It's pretty obvious.

And yes, I am skeptical--but I'm not skeptical without reason. I've seen the Clinton stunts pulled when she's behind. She makes me a bit nervous. Prior to her running in 08, we didn't have to deal with this malarkey. Frankly, I'm kind of tired of her. I really can't wait to caucus for Bernie, so she can pack up and get the hell out of my state.

She's an unfair campaigner. I've seen it when she planted questions in one of her Iowa audiences. She also sent in surrogates to call Obama, "Barack Hussein Obama." Lots of other crapola. We're not used to underhanded, Rovian baloney in our state. We're used to fair races and candidates who really want to know us, talk with us and earn our votes.

As far as I'm concerned, she's doesn't seem to want any of that. She's more into schemes and tactics that waste our time.

[JoePhilly]

26. So now you are upset Bernie gets another debate opportunity?????

Look ... you can not whine about not having enough debates ... and then scream bloody murder when they add a "town hall" that you have declared is a DEBATE.

Oh wait ... of course YOU can whine about getting something you actually have been demanding.

That is one of the benefits of being perpetually disgruntled!!!

You get to be pissed off no matter what happens.

[demwing]

42. I'm not

The more people see and hear Bernie, the more they like him. Reverse that for Clinton.

[JoePhilly]

43. So why all the whining by Bernie supporters in this thread?

They should be thrilled, not pissed.

[demwing]

63. Because we don't trust the last minute change, and with good reason.

If you believe that the game is rigged, that the game is run by liars and crooks (we do), then it's reasonable to assume that the election process is rigged as well. DWS has not behaved in a manner that inspires trust, which compounds the problem. Many Bernie supporters believe that--by design--the questions will favor the candidate that works to maintain the status quo.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm glad for the opportunity. I guesstimated the potential risk against the potential gain, and believe that the result favors Bernie, even if the forum is a setup.

I could be wrong, but I think it's worth the risk.

[CoffeeCat]

66. Did you see this, Demwing? This Town Hall will be run by a long-time Hillary supporter

This Town Hall is being organized by the Iowa Democratic Party. Dr. Andy McGuire is the chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party. She is the source quoted in all of the articles about the Town Hall.

McGuire served on Hillary Clinton's National Council of Civic Leaders. She also served on the Women's Leadership Council for Team Hillary in Iowa--a group of Iowa women dedicated to electing Hillary Clinton as the first woman President of the United States.

http://www.bleedingheartland.com/2015/01/17/three-pros-and-three-cons-of-andy-mcguire-as-iowa-democratic-party-chair-updated/

The Iowa Democratic Party, headed by McGuire will be determining who will be in the audience. More importantly, they'll most likely be deciding who will ask the questions of the candidates that evening.

Unbelievable, isn't it?

[demwing]

71. Unbelievable? Not in this election...

Every time I think that things can't show a more obvious bias, I'm proven wrong.

I still think Bernie gets the advantage. If he were some run-of-the-mill politician, I'd advise against participating, but he's Bernie!

If the forum is rigged, it will show, and it will backfire. Bernie will raise another million off of the event, and Hillary in a panic is the Hillary I'd want most to face off against just days before the caucus. She'll draw an unforced error, because that's what Hillary does when she's in a corner.

[stevenleser]

45. Jury results: 6-1 to keep

On Wed Jan 20, 2016, 06:51 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

So now you are upset Bernie gets another debate opportunity?????
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=1038285

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Nothing but personal attacks, from start to finish. As usual, this poster focuses only on their dislike and hate of other DUers. Make it personal and insulting. Enough.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Wed Jan 20, 2016, 06:58 PM, and the Jury voted 1-6 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: This entire thread is a waste of electrons, but this particular post isn't out of line.

Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Truth
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Alerter can you please not waste our time with frivolous alerts like this? The worst thing that JoePhilly said in his entire post was that Coffeecat whined. We're calling that a personal attack? We're going to have to hide all of GDP if thats the criteria.


Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: While I don't think the post is "nothing but personal attacks from start to finish" it does seem that the rest of this discussion should be taken off-line.
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[JoePhilly]

48. Wow ... I think I'm asking a reasonable question ...

Can one legitimately complain that the evil DNC / Hillary team is limiting the debates ... and then spin 180 degrees and complain when they add another "debate".

And if one wants to make that argument, they should be able to explain why they wanted more debates before, and yet don't want Bernie to have another opportunity to kick Hilliary's ass before Iowa.

[stevenleser]

55. More of the same. Bernie supporters can crap on Hillary, her supporters, Bernie critics etc but if

you are a Hillary supporter, you better not fire back in kind or you will be alerted. Heck you can't fire back with 1/8th the intensity of the attacks they are dishing out and not get alerted.

[CoffeeCat]

59. We've been demanding a fair debate schedule

since last summer.

Both Sanders and O'Malley have been begging for more debates for months. We were told repeatedly by DWS to forget it. "We will have six debates, period" was her exact quote.

For months, Sanders and O'Malley supporters have been asking for more debates, because their campaigns needed the exposure. For months that was denied.

And the debates that did happen, were scheduled on weekend nights when no one would be watching. One was scheduled during the NFL playoffs. Another, the Saturday before Christmas. As we all know this benefitted Clinton, keeping her inevitability intact and her opponents under the radar.

What a farce this has been.

And now, suddenly--when Hillary Clinton is in big trouble in Iowa and NH--and she needs the exposure--miraculously a big, two-hour Town Hall in prime time appears!

That's what I'm upset about. That this entire thing has been RIGGED all along to favor Clinton. When fewer debates benefit her--that's what she gets. When more exposure benefits her--suddenly a prime-time Town Hall extravaganza is thrown together in record time.

That's the problem. That's what is so outrageous. But you knew that.

[JoePhilly]

60. Actually, I do not care how many debates they hold.

You want Bernie to have more opportunities and he's getting another one.

If you had any consistency, you'd be thrilled because surely he'll kick Hillarys ass, win Iowa big, and this will spring board him to winning the primary.

See .... this OP makes you sound terrified.

[CoffeeCat]

64. I don't trust Hillary Clinton

that's the problem.

I do fear her dirty tricks. You are correct.

The issue isn't more debates. I think that ship has sailed. Bernie and MOM needed the exposure in the months before the Iowa caucuses, when they needed exposure.

Those opportunities were limited.

Now, when Hillary needs an emergency PR injection, the triage cart rolls right up, at warp speed.

It's the unfairness.

[JoePhilly]

68. I think its the paranoia.

[CoffeeCat]

70. Well, I've experienced two rounds of Hillary in Iowa

So I think I'm entitled to a few feels.

Paranoia? Not really. It's a combination of disgust and sadness.

In 08, I watched our Iowa media discuss how she planted questions at one of her Town Halls. I saw her send in Bob Kerrey from Nebraska who called a press conference to endorse Hillary. He belted out, "I just love it that his name is Barack Hussein Obama!" This happened when the Republicans were suggesting that Obama was a Muslim and couldn't be trusted on national-security issues. Kerrey later apologized for being an ass.

I've received the Obama mailers that were darkened and her mailers that distorted Obama's position on guns.

I've listened to Clinton's surrogates suggest that Bernie is sexist and racist.

I got a push poll call the other night, that denigrated Sander's foreign policy credentials and suggested that he is unable to grasp foreign policy because he is "in over his head" when it comes to foreign-policy matters. In 08, I received a push-poll call asking me if I thought that John Edwards could be a good President, despite his wife Elizabeth's cancer diagnosis.

It gets a little Rovian in Iowa, with Hillary around. I've always enjoyed our exciting caucus season and I can't wait to caucus for Bernie, but I'll be glad when she leaves, takes her tactics with her and never returns.

I've been a campaign volunteer and precinct captain for many Iowa caucus cycles. Hillary is definitely the dirtiest player of them all.

[demwing]

72. It's only paranoia if its an irrational mistrust

Hillary has earned our mistrust.

[CorporatistNation]

46. Remeber that "set uP' With The Little Girl Asking About Bullying A Few Weeks Ago?

Does ANYONE in their right mind believe that this little girl actually concocted this question ... all by herself?

[JoePhilly]

53. Attacking a little girl ... well played!!!

Usually one must go to a RW site to see a little girl attacked.

But thank you for doing it here on DU and saving the rest of us the trip.

[CoffeeCat]

13. It appears that the DNC and the "powers that be" in the Democratic Party

have decided to help Hillary and slip in a nice, big fat debate one week before the Iowa caucuses--to help her sinking campaign.

I am open to new information, and that I am wrong.

I'd rather be wrong on this, believe me.

I mean....we were constantly told by Wasserman Schultz that there would be ONLY six debates. No more.

This event looks recently and newly organized.

It's being held in Iowa. I've never heard of it before.

Please tell me that I'm wrong!!!!!

[in_cog_ni_to]

14. HRH wanted another debate because she's PLUMMETING in the polls, so of course they were

accommodating to their chosen candidate.

PEACE
LOVE
BERNIE

[antigop]

19. yep, I think so. nt

[JoePhilly]

28. So bernie will kick her ass and you will be thrilled, right?

Or what ... now you don't want more debates????

Make up your mind.

[morningfog]

36. I want more debates. Is this a debate?

[JoePhilly]

39. The OP says it is. Disagree, take it up with them.

Do you want Bernie on in prime time, or not?

Are you AGAINST having a "town hall" in prime time? Afraid Bernie will screw up???

Please explain why you are so concerned about this prime time opportunity for Bernie to speak.

What's your down side?

[morningfog]

47. I'm not against it. Don't try to think for me. You'll fuck it up.

I'm not afraid of anything remotely related to this event. I am of course happy for Bernie to get more prime time.

Guess what? I also think there should be more debates. And now we know the DNC and DWS were lying when they said it wouldn't or couldn't happen.

And, I am suspect of the motivation here because of it. But, yes, I'm pleased to see it scheduled. I hope candidates can respond to each other.

[JoePhilly]

51. Then you should tell some of the angry Bernie folks in this thread to ...

... ibe as happy as you are for the chance for Bernie to get his message out right before the Iowa primary.

[morningfog]

58. They can think for themselves. Always trying to guess/manage others'

Thoughts. Wierd.

They are justified in their skepticism of the process anyway.

[CorporatistNation]

50. This Will Be Set Up To Allow HRC A Forum To Basically Tell More Half Truths And Fibs In

an environment controlled for her benefit in EVERY WAY! Ringer questions, Ringer Moderator... This is High School Shit of the first order out of Lil Debbie and her band of Henchwomen!

[JoePhilly]

52. So you think Bernie's mic won't work?

Or they'll spill pigs blood on him at some point?

I guess if they added 5 more debates, you'd be even more upset.

Here's an idea .... maybe they should cancel the remaining debates since they are all fixed anyway.

[cui bono]

18. Just look at it as one more chance for Hillary to show the people how dirty she plays.

And gee, I bet the audience won't be stacked either. Nor will the questions be pre-approved, at least by one candidate.

And of course it won't have a moderator with ties to people in her past and on her campaign.

See this:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511037983 and then go read that whole piece.

.

[Mike__M]

27. Wonder who will get the last word? (n/t)

[slipslidingaway]

20. First time I heard anything about this was today ...

color me skeptical of this last minute scheduling as well.

[DAMANgoldberg]

22. Isn't a Town Hall just a debate with different questioners?

If all 3 candidates will be on stage, and I have seen it reported either way, audience questions replace pundit ones, but will probably be pre-screened beyond a "dump" button. It would be nice if it was closer to a non-partisan radio program where you give your name and topic and let the host call on you. Not quite Larry King on radio but close.

[CoffeeCat]

23. And it's scheduled in prime time on a Monday...not a weekend!

Within a few days, the DNC managed to throw together a Town Hall AND schedule it during prime time hours, from 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. CST.

And it will air on a Monday, not on a Saturday when the audience numbers will be low.

And get this--This recently organized Town Hall isn't scheduled during the NFL playoffs (like one of the other debates) or on the weekend of a major holiday. Seriously. It's mind blowing!

Absolutely extraordinary that they were able to pull together a prime-time, Monday-night, two-hour political event--when they weren't able to do this for any of the other debates or public forums.

Just astounding.

It's amazing what the DNC can do, when they really want to.

[Uncle Joe]

25. It truly is amazing what can be done when there is political will.

[morningfog]

31. Is like to see the rules and format for this event.

[Uncle Joe]

33. I was just wondering how the audience will be stacked?

[in_cog_ni_to]

38. Hand picked by HRH/DWS/Corrupt corporate owned CNN.

The ONLY reason this is happening is because HRH is plummeting in the polls

You better believe she will be LOADED with Bernie attacks. That's the only reason this is being done. I hope Bernie is prepared.

And, of course, HRH will be the last candidate with the final say. It's rigged.

PEACE
LOVE
BERNIE

[Uncle Joe]

49. It's sad but I have to agree with all four of your major points.

Peace to you, in_cog_ni_to.

[wendylaroux]

57. oh it absolutely is.

lol,good god how obvious can they get??!!

[CoffeeCat]

69. Yep, the person spearheading this Town Hall is longtime Clinton supporter/activist

Last edited Thu Jan 21, 2016, 12:58 AM - Edit history (1)

The Iowa Democratic Party is organizing and hosting this event. The chair of the Iowa Democratic Party is Dr. Andy McGuire. She's a longtime Clinton supporter. She's quoted in all of the articles about this Town Hall.

McGuire served on Hillary Clinton's National Council of Civil Leaders. She also served on the Women's Leadership Council for Team Hillary in Iowa. The Council is a group of Iowa women who are dedicated to electing Hillary Clinton President of the United States.

So, the person spearheading this Town Hall will be determining how the audience members will be picked; and also who will be asking the questions to the candidates.

So no one will be surprised when a fresh-faced millennial stands up and asks, "Senator Clinton, you are trouncing Bernie Sanders in the polls. Do you believe this is because he is an elderly Communist or is it because he wants to nuke Obamacare from oribit?".

[liberal_at_heart]

29. So when the candidate of their choice needs more debates, there will be more debates.

That's okay with me. The more debates, the more people get to learn more about Bernie.

[LittleBlue]

61. Agreed. nt

[Kalidurga]

44. Good

Audiences love Bernie. He can't go anywhere without getting a mob following him.

[pa28]

54. As Bernie moves into the lead expect DWS to suddenly become a fan of debates.

By March we'll be hearing that Bernie is ducking debates because he refused a morning debate AND an evening debate on the same day.

[Still In Wisconsin]

67. Watch, Pantsuit will plant her own version of Joe the Plumber...

maybe Bob the Builder or Freddy the Farmer or Teri the Teacher.

"Secretary Clinton, why does your opponent hate hard-working taxpayers so much?"

[PATRICK]

76. Media gets to frost the cake

They too already know the type of sandbagging questions that will hit Sanders. Media blurbs will abound afterwards cherry-picking Sanders' 'defensive" remarks and Clinton's august "presidential" magnanimity. It does not even have to be rigged or rehearsed by then, just the usual brackish water flowing downhill on the media audience, our own Flint Michigan life in America experience.

Incredible as it may seem, despite the obvious constrictions on Clinton's choices, this is typical for someone in the chosen field to keep doubling down with what got them there even if it never worked very well and can't positively increase political appeal. She had to take chances with what appears very clearly now to be out of character positive, visionary appeal. Or hug the football and stay down until the clock runs out, which apparently works - as most things do- only for the establishment owning GOP.

Barred from future debates??? What future debates? Well those needed in future caucus states to game one campaign's needs suddenly and rigged beforehand over another. This latest tactic has more concerns than just Iowa. We will see a variety of "events" such as these all over the electoral map depending on how the other candidates respond to this "democratic" invitation. Nice to get exposure and meet stone throwers(in a fair media environment if it existed) but it would be just as well for Sanders to keep campaigning. His own town hall event? Why not? It won't be televised and as such it can be kept out of that mercurial DWS "or else" clause.

The Clinton campaign makes the wrong response to the big donor/frontrunner trap. However far back you care to take it, at present the only borrowed genius present in modern corporate politics is something discredited and crooked that no one really wants. And Nixon is dead though Rove is not. They might notice that the media is also hurting Clinton among Dems by highlighting the worst(unwittingly?), though apparently the campaign sees that as just fine, another symptom common to centrist Dems.