Allow Debate is holding a protest for more debates outside DNC Headquarters before the Republican debate on Wednesday. Here are the specific details:
Wednesday, September 16 @ 4:30pm - 6:00pm ET
DNC Headquarters, 430 South Capitol Street Southeast, Washington, DC
Go to Facebook page to RSVP.
#AllowDebate
is a grassroots group of Democrats and Independents pushing for an end to DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s unprecedented and undemocratic suppression of debate. #AllowDebate is run solely by volunteers, and is not funded by or affiliated with any campaign, PAC, or other group.
From Allow Debate's press release on rally:
Washington, DC - Hundreds of protesters will rally at DNC headquarters on Wednesday to demand that DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz allow Democratic presidential candidates to debate more than 6 times. There were 26 Democratic primary debates in the 2008 campaign, including 11 before September 14th, 2007.
“DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is unilaterally defying the will of Democratic voters, Presidential candidates, and the DNC’s own Vice-Chairs,” said Ben Doernberg, founder of #AllowDebate, a grassroots group not affiliated with any candidate. “Her dictatorial suppression of free and open debate is an attack on the democratic process.”
RALLY TIME: Wednesday, September 16, 4:30-6:15pm, during the CNN GOP debate
RALLY LOCATION: DNC HQ, 430 South Capitol Street Southeast, Washington, DC
Millions of Democrats are outraged by the DNC Chair’s debate restrictions. Over 250,000 have signed petitions, thousands have phoned the national and state Democratic party offices, and one Brooklynite even recorded a protest song.
Allow Debate's reasons for wanting more debates are simple:
Debates enable candidates to bring their message and viewpoints to the general public.
More debates will allow the strongest candidate to emerge from the Democratic Party.
More debates will give candidates more opportunities to improve their platform and will help them prepare for the general debates.
Earlier debates will allow voters in New York the chance to see a debate before they must register for primary voting (currently, primary voting registration ends October 9th; the first debate is scheduled October 13th).
More debates will allow voters from early primary states to see more than 4 debates before they must choose a candidate.
More debates will allow Democratic candidates to respond to the absurd ideas and fallacies espoused by Republican candidates.
More debates will enable the Democrats to frame the issues as the general election approaches.
It is imperative that the Democratic National Committee lift the exclusivity clause for Democratic candidates. If the debate schedule remains unchanged, the Democratic Party will lose momentum, votes, and possibly the White House.