What they say: “The Presidential Debates Committee is biased and has refused to introduce simple and sensible reforms to ensure fair debates, including hosting pre-voting debates and selecting moderators who have never worked for candidates on stage. “RNC President Ronna McDaniel said in a press release.
“Today, the RNC voted to withdraw from the biased CPD, and we will find newer, better discussion platforms to ensure that prospective candidates do not have to go through the biased CPD to express their views to the American people.” she added. “Debates are an important part of the democratic process and the RNC is committed to free and fair debate.”
The big picture: For almost a decade, the Republican Party has been protesting that the nonprofit debate committee – which describes itself as non-partisan – favored Democrats, according to the New York Times.
Last year, McDaniel warned the CPD that the RNC would advise prospective Republican candidates not to engage in CPD-hosted debates unless “significant reforms” are made. In January, the RNC reiterated its position by sending a letter to the CPD threatening to exclude future GOP presidential candidates from the approved discussions unless “substantial reforms” are made.
