Thread by @PalmerReport

I like DNC Chair @TomPerez a lot, but this Democratic 2020 debate format is a nightmare. People want to see Biden, Harris, Warren, Sanders and Buttigieg all debating each other on the same stage, not this weird participation trophy format.

If a candidate who’s polling at 0% wants to make an impact, they can debate the other candidates polling at 0% and blow them off the stage. Then that candidate’s numbers will rise and can graduate to the main stage the next time.

This is about picking a nominee and defeating Trump. Too much is at stake for is to be catering to obscure and bizarre candidates who have no support and no business running.

To paraphrase Aaron Sorkin, this isn’t debate camp. It’s not important that everyone gets a turn.

Democrats have one person running just to sell books, two people running to try to reinvent themselves after their failed coup against the Speaker, and one guy running because he’s bored. They can run if they want. But it’s embarrassing to have them on stage with the frontrunners

Moreover, these non-serious candidates all got their big shot on stage with one or more frontrunners in front of a huge audience, and clearly didn’t impress anyone, because they’re all still polling at around 0%.

This format actively entourages people with ulterior motives to run in the democratic primary and abuse it to suit their own personal agenda. Again, anyone can run for any reason they want. But you don’t REWARD these failed stunt candidacies.

Nor is this format helping any of the also-rans who might have merit. In sports they have minor leagues for a reason. Anyone who legitimately flourishes in the minor leagues moves up.

Thus far every argument I’ve seen in favor of the current debate format is some variation of “but I don’t WANT to admit the Democrats are making a mistake with their format.” Yes, the Democratic Party makes mistakes. This is one of them. Fix it. Today.

The sheer amount (and viciousness) of pushback I'm getting on this is bizarre, considering 1) I'm obviously right, and 2) there's literally no counter argument. Some of you need to join the adult world, where it's okay to admit that the DNC made a mistake, and urge it to be fixed