RNC UNANIMOUSLY VOTES TO WITHDRAW FROM COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES

RNC will begin to look for freer and fairer debate platforms

WASHINGTON – Today, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released the following statement on the RNC’s unanimous vote to withdraw from the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD):

“Debates are an important part of the democratic process, and the RNC is committed to free and fair debates. The Commission on Presidential Debates is biased and has refused to enact simple and commonsense reforms to help ensure fair debates including hosting debates before voting begins and selecting moderators who have never worked for candidates on the debate stage.
 
Today, the RNC voted to withdraw from the biased CPD, and we are going to find newer, better debate platforms to ensure that future nominees are not forced to go through the biased CPD in order to make their case to the American people.”

Background Info:

  • Restoring faith in our elections means making sure our candidates can compete on a level playing field.
  • Today, the RNC has voted to withdraw Republican participation from the biased Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). The rule change is the culmination of a year-long process.
  • To be clear: we are not walking away from debates. We are walking away from the CPD.
  • It is biased and does not serve the interest of the American people.
    • Waiting until 26 states had begun early voting before hosting the first presidential debate in 2020.
    • Making unilateral changes to previously agreed-upon debate formats and conditions, in some cases without even notifying the candidates.
    • Selecting a moderator in 2020 who had once worked for Joe Biden.
    • Failing to maintain the organization’s strict nonpartisanship, with a majority of its Board Members publicly disparaging the Republican-nominee.
  • Chairwoman McDaniel and RNC officials repeatedly asked the CPD to reform and make changes to future debates to ensure a fair and impartial forum – unfortunately, the CPD was unwilling to make commonsense reforms. 
  • The Republican Party deserves better. The American people deserve better. 
  • We know that when Republicans have a free and fair forum, we win because our policies are best for the American people.
  • We look forward to exploring other avenues for candidates to have a free and fair forum for all Americans.
  • Ronna McDaniel: The RNC Is Fighting for Fair Debates  

Read more from the Wall Street Journal here.