AMHERST, N.H. (AP) – Hillary Clinton’s campaign is pushing Bernie Sanders to participate in a newly proposed Democratic debate – one not sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee – to be held just days before the New Hampshire primary.
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“Hillary Clinton would be happy to participate in a debate in New Hampshire if the other candidates agree, which would allow the DNC to sanction the debate”, Clinton spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri said. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vermont) requests to add more debates – released a statement on Tuesday saying that, although it doesn’t have plans to sanction additional debates, the organization could be open to it.
Bernie Sanders said Tuesday the prospect of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg mounting an independent presidential campaign “speaks volumes about the state of American politics”, noting with a populist flair it might mean two of the three contenders would be billionaires.
Sanders has said previously that he could win Iowa but his comments suggested an attempt to lower expectations in the final week before the caucuses.
ABC and WMUR TV there are hosting a GOP presidential debate in New Hampshire Feb. 6.
The Democratic presidential candidates are poised to add another debate to the schedule.
The New Hampshire Union Leader is hosting a Democratic presidential debate February 4 on MSNBC, which will provide the moderators-Meet the Press host Chuck Todd and MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow.
“The DNC has said this would be an unsanctioned debate so we would not want to jeopardize our ability to participate in future debates”, Sanders’ campaign manager Jeff Weaver said.
Asked if establishment Democrats would become unnerved if he defeated Clinton in Iowa and New Hampshire, Sanders said “the good news is we still live in a democracy and people have a say in this”.
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“Our readers have demanded a debate to help them see who is most fit to be the Democratic nominee for President”, said Joseph W. McQuaid, president and publisher of the Union Leader.
