RNC Votes to Withdraw From Presidential Debates Commission 

April 14, 2022 by Dan McCue
RNC Votes to Withdraw From Presidential Debates Commission 
GOP Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel (Photo via Twitter)

WASHINGTON — The Republican National Committee voted unanimously on Thursday to withdraw from the Commission on Presidential Debates, claiming the organization unfairly favored Democrat Joe Biden over incumbent Republican Donald Trump ahead of the 2020 election.

The commission has organized every general election debate between major-party candidates since 1988, and has never in the intervening 34 years faced such a claim of outright bias.

It was set up as a nonprofit in 1987 that would be sponsored by both the Republican and Democratic parties. 

In a statement, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel promised the party would “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.”

As reported in January in The Well News, the RNC — and the Trump campaign — was angered by the commission’s selection of then–C-SPAN host and former Biden intern Steve Scully to host the second 2020 debate.

Though that debate was later canceled due to Trump’s having contracted COVID-19 and after he refused to appear remotely as an alternative, the party’s anger did not subside.

In a January letter, McDaniel blasted the commission for refusing to enact “simple and common sense 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.”

In light of the RNC’s latest move, it is now unclear how the anticipated 2024 debates can or will proceed. 

The Well News has reached out to the commission for comment.

In January, when McDaniel threatened to “prohibit future Republican nominees from participating in CPD-sponsored debates” unless the commission changed its rules, the organization said it “deals directly with candidates for president and vice president who qualify for participation.”

“The CPD’s plans for 2024 will be based on fairness, neutrality and a firm commitment to help the American public learn about the candidates and the issues,” the organization said at the time.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and at https://twitter.com/DanMcCue

A+
a-
  • Commission on Presidential Debates
  • Presidential Debates
  • RNC
  • Ronna McDaniel
  • In The News

    Health

    Voting

    Political News

    December 6, 2023
    by Dan McCue
    McCarthy to Leave Congress at End of the Year

    WASHINGTON — Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., ousted from that position just two months ago by hard-right members of... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., ousted from that position just two months ago by hard-right members of his own party, announced Wednesday that he will retire from Congress at the end of the month. “I have decided to depart the House at the... Read More

    December 5, 2023
    by Dan McCue
    Special Election to Replace George Santos Set for Feb. 13

    ALBANY, N.Y. — The special election to replace disgraced former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., will be held on Feb. 13,... Read More

    ALBANY, N.Y. — The special election to replace disgraced former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., will be held on Feb. 13, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday evening. As previously reported by The Well News, Santos was expelled from the House of Representatives on Friday by... Read More

    December 5, 2023
    by Dan McCue
    Tuberville Drops Opposition to Almost All Military Promotions

    WASHINGTON — Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., announced Tuesday that he would drop his opposition to nearly all military promotions, a... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., announced Tuesday that he would drop his opposition to nearly all military promotions, a blockade he imposed to protest the Pentagon’s decision to ensure abortion access to service members. Tuberville had placed holds on just over 440 military promotions. Tuberville’s... Read More

    December 5, 2023
    by Tom Ramstack
    Republicans Gather Evidence in Move Toward Biden Impeachment Inquiry

    WASHINGTON — The House will vote next week on formally authorizing its impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, Speaker Mike... Read More

    WASHINGTON — The House will vote next week on formally authorizing its impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, Speaker Mike Johnson said during a briefing with reporters Tuesday morning, saying Republicans have “no choice” but to push ahead in light of White House resistance to its... Read More

    December 5, 2023
    by Dan McCue
    McHenry, Speaker Pro Tem Through Crisis, Leaving House

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who served as speaker pro tempore during one of the most unique periods of... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who served as speaker pro tempore during one of the most unique periods of crisis in the history of the House of Representatives, said Tuesday that he will not seek reelection to the chamber next year. “I believe there is... Read More

    November 30, 2023
    by Dan McCue
    Chaos Reigns as Democrats Vote to Subpoena Crow, Leo in SCOTUS Probe

    WASHINGTON — A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday became the latest venue for Capitol Hill dysfunction as Democrats on... Read More

    WASHINGTON — A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday became the latest venue for Capitol Hill dysfunction as Democrats on the panel approved issuing subpoenas to billionaire Harlan Crow and influential conservative Leonard Leo as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged ethical lapses by Supreme... Read More

    News From The Well
    scroll top