Did You Guys Catch The "Exclusivity Clause" For The 2016 Democratic Debates ??? [View all]

[WillyT]

Curious Timing, No ???

Any candidate who decides to participate in the debate process must agree to do so exclusively, making them ineligible to participate in any debates organized by third-party groups. If candidates deviate from this rule, they lose the ability to take part in any remaining debates hosted by the Democratic Party.

A senior adviser to one 2016 campaign told The Huffington Post that the exclusivity clause came as a "complete shock." Officials from the DNC, the adviser said, had assured all likely Democratic presidential campaigns when negotiations over the debate schedule began months ago that no such clause would be used. The adviser further argued that holding only six debates would be disadvantageous to candidates who have relatively low name-recognition across the country.

DNC Communications Director Mo Elleithee confirmed that the clause wasn't a part of the early negotiation process, but maintained that all options were left on the table. He further argued that voters would ultimately be best served by a controlled debate schedule.

And...

Responding to the announcement on Twitter, Clinton suggested that she was on board with the DNC plan.

"While GOP debates the same failed policies, Democrats will debate how to help families get ahead. Looking forward to a real conversation," she said.

O'Malley's camp, however, took issue with the DNC's new exclusivity rule.

"If Governor O'Malley decides to run, we will expect a full, robust, and inclusive set of debates -- both nationally and in early primary and caucus states. This has been customary in previous primary seasons. In a year as critical as 2016, exclusivity does no one any favors," said Lis Smith, the governor's spokeswoman.

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/05/democrats-presidential-debates_n_7214218.html