The Democratic National Committee released their official guidelines for the 2020 presidential primary season Thursday; revealing two-night debate specials and a series of other innovations to increase “transparency” following the 2016 race for the White House.
“The Democratic National Committee announced Thursday it would hold a dozen presidential primary debates during its 2020 nominating process, with the first to be held this June,” writes US News. “After months of consultation with Democratic stakeholders and media executives, DNC chairman Tom Perez said six debates would be held in 2019 with another six to follow in 2020, ending in April of the election year.”
DNC Chair Tom Perez told reporters during a Thursday phone conference that the criteria for appearing in the first round of debates was still being decided.
“We need more than polling to measure participation,” said Perez. “There will be an alternative pathway to participation.”
“We expect that large field and we welcome that large field,” he added.
Read the full report here.
2020 VISION: Mike Bloomberg Visits Iowa, Sparks Speculation of Potential White House Run
Billionaire Democrat and former Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg visited Iowa this week; speaking with supporters in the pivotal state just weeks before he’s expected to make an announcement regarding a potential run for the White House.
Bloomberg was addressing progressive voters while promoting his new documentary about climate change; saying Democrats “have to do something” now that they’ve taken control of the House of Representatives.
“If they just sit back and do the same thing that the people they just ousted did then I’m not gonna be happy and I’ve told Nancy Pelosi that,” said Bloomberg.
“They are used to having candidates from around the country come here every four years,” said Bloomberg. “They’ve seen it all and they understand you’re coming here because you want to get to know them and solicit the votes.”
Read the full story here.
2020 VISION? Kamala Harris Stumps in Iowa, Slams GOP ‘Vision’ for America
Outspoken Senator and potential 2020 challenger Kamala Harris hit the campaign trail in Iowa this week; slamming her Republican colleagues and sparking speculation surrounding her potential run for the White House.
Harris was speaking to hundreds of supporters inside a packed community college in Des Moines when she unloaded on President Trump and the GOP; saying “We need to have a better vision for this country.”
“This is the moment in time that is requiring us to fight for the best of who we are,” Harris said Monday. “And the stakes are high. I don’t have to tell you what’s happening here in Iowa, where they’re privatizing Medicare, where we know that just in a very short period of time, people’s premiums are going to go up at least threefold.”
“We are better than this,” she added.
Harris’ visit comes months after fellow Democratic Senator and presidential hopeful Cory Booker visited Iowa.
“She’s got ground to make up, but she’s not very far behind yet,” said a member of the Iowa Democratic National Committee.
Read the full story at Politico.