Widespread dissatisfaction with the DNC’s debate schedule boiled over at a New Hampshire Democratic Party convention Saturday when convention-goers began chanting “We want debates!” so loudly that they drowned out the speaker, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Legal Insurrection reports that Wasserman Schultz tried to quell the burgeoning rebellion among the more than 4,000 delegates and guests present. “My friends, what’s more important? Drawing a contrast with Republicans or arguing about debates? Let’s focus on our mission!” she shouted. Check out this brief video:
This isn't the first time Wasserman Schultz has taken heat over the rules that she has imposed on Democratic primary candidates, which effectively eliminates Democratic presidential primary contender participation in non-sanctioned debates. That and a mere six officially-sanctioned debates are causing dissatisfaction. Last week, protesters rallied outside of the Democratic National Headquarters in Washington, DC to oppose the rules. As Legal Insurrection points out:
In addition to scheduling just 6 debates, the DNC (via DWS) has limited the potential for rogue forums by creating a new rule: if a Democrat chooses to participate in a non-sanctioned debate, they’ll be banned from future sanctioned ones.
The candidates aren’t happy; even some of DWS’s DNC colleagues aren’t happy (DNC Vice Chairs Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D., Hawaii) and R.T. Rybak released a joint statement asking DWS to revoke the sanctioned debates only-rule); and now, Democratic heavy-hitter Nancy Pelosi has weighed in against DWS’s mandate.
…Both Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley have come out swinging against DWS and the DNC, saying that this is the party’s attempt to rig the primary in favor of the foundering Hillary Clinton campaign.
Schultz has shown no sign that she’s willing to back down.



