Blackout debates: Does DNC favor Hillary?

The Democratic National Committee has drawn criticism for its sparse and poorly timed scheduling of the Democratic Party debates this election season. But like the debates themselves, these criticisms have largely been ignored by the media.

 
The controversy stems in part from the suspicious timing of the democratic debates. One was scheduled the Saturday before Christmas, and another was on the Sunday of Martin Luther King weekend and also the day of the NFL playoffs. So far, all debates have been scheduled on weekends.

 
In addition, the DNC plans for only six debates with rules excluding any candidate who participates in unsanctioned debates. In contrast, seven GOP debates have already aired, with five more debates scheduled.

 
If, as DNC head Debbie Wasserman Schultz claims, the DNC wants to “maximize the opportunity for voters to see our candidates”, then the low number and terrible timing of the debates doesn’t make any sense. What makes sense is that the biased committee is trying to promote a longtime friend of the Democratic Party, Hillary Clinton.

Not only is Clinton the preferred candidate for the DNC, but she also has ties to Schultz who co-chaired her unsuccessful run for president in 2008.

Clinton has far more to lose than she does to gain from participating in debates. She benefits the most from a limited debate schedule.

Unlike her competitors — Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley — Clinton is well known nationally and has an established reputation. Losing a high profile debate would be a devastating loss for Clinton that bolsters her lesser-known opponents. Clinton can’t afford that despite her currently leading the polls.

Clinton also can’t afford Sanders’ strong performances at debates being highly televised, especially before an important primary in New Hampshire on Feb. 9. By shortening television time for their minimal candidates, Hillary maintains her leading status while her support group minimizes opportunities for her to make mistakes.

Debates are one of the last mediated forums that voters can go to get real, direct information from presidential candidates about their policies. They’re absolutely key in the process of a democratic presidential election.

That’s what makes the DNC’s biased handling of the debate schedule so egregious. Debates can only help candidates elaborate on their positions and help voters learn more about each candidate. They spread information and lead to a more informed populace.

An informed populace ensures a well functioning democracy, because when voters are well informed on candidates’ positions, they are more likely to cast a vote for a candidate that will represent their interests.

 
The DNC doesn’t want you to watch these debates. Don’t listen to them.