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The Next Democratic Debate
Change the format, not the candidates
As the next debate approaches, some people think there are too many Democrats running for President.
I disagree.
I don’t want to cut the number of candidates. I do want to change the debate format.
Do we need to narrow the field for the Democratic debates?
Some commentators look at Andrew Yang, Tulsi Gabbard, Marianne Williamson and Tom Steyer and say they are distracting us from the “real” candidates. Some people say they are wasting our time.
I take issue with this for several reasons, particularly when it comes to Yang and Gabbard.
First, everyone has the right to run. As long as they follow the DNC rules, they have the right to participate in the debates.
Second, the “top three” Democrats are all older white folks. Two of the three are men. So why get rid of two younger candidates like Gabbard, a Samoan Hindu woman or Yang, an Asian American?
Third, a diversity of ideas appeals to a wider audience. Innovative ideas are exciting and generate enthusiasm.
Both Yang and Gabbard have different viewpoints. Yang in particular has some of the most interesting ideas. Instead…
