To: Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Chair of the Democratic National Committee

Declare CNN "Town hall" on January 25 a real "Debate"

Democratic National Committee declare CNN "Town hall" on January 25 a "Debate".

Why is this important?

In the 2008 presidential primary, 18 debates were held before the Iowa caucus, the 2016 primary season only allows for 4 debates. Debating is a critical aspect of the democratic processes.

Sanders, Clinton, and O’Malley have all called for more debates. The petition by Robert Reich calls for more debates and has nearly 120,000 signatures:
http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/DNCdebates

Debbie Wasserman Schultz has claimed that the reason more debates cannot be held is because the three candidates Sanders, Clinton, and O’Malley have very busy schedules.

Despite their busy schedules, they have agreed to a Town Hall on January 25.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/20/politics/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-martin-omalley-town-hall/

However, Town Halls have much lower viewership and contrived structures difficult for viewers to appreciate. In Town Hall settings, candidates are not allowed to respond to the accusations of their opponents. However, a debate allows for such lies to be called out for what they are.

As a debate is no more demanding on candidate schedules than that of a town hall, we urge the DNC to declare January 25th a debate!