Bernie 2016

May 23, 2016
Contact: Michael Briggs

Sanders Statement on California Debate

LOS ANGELES – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders issued the following statement on Monday after Hillary Clinton reneged on her commitment to take part in a presidential debate in California in May ahead of the June 7 primary election:

“I am disappointed but not surprised by Secretary Clinton’s unwillingness to debate before the largest and most important primary in the presidential nominating process.

“The state of California and the United States face some enormous crises. Democracy, and respect for the voters of California, would suggest that there should be a vigorous debate in which the voters may determine whose ideas they support. I hope Secretary Clinton reconsiders her unfortunate decision to back away from her commitment to debate.

"I also would suggest that Secretary Clinton may want to be not quite so presumptuous about thinking that she is a certain winner. In the last several weeks, the people of Indiana, West Virginia and Oregon have suggested otherwise."

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May 18, 2016
Contact: Michael Briggs

Sanders Welcomes California Debate

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday welcomed an invitation to debate Hillary Clinton in California before the June 7 primary election.

The Clinton and Sanders campaigns in January agreed to hold a debate in May in California, the largest state with the greatest number of delegates at stake. So far, however, the Clinton campaign has balked at keeping that pledge.

“Both campaigns have been invited by Fox News to a debate. We have told the network that we would accept the invitation with the understanding that we can reach mutual agreement on the debate moderators, the format and other details,” said Jeff Weaver, Sanders’ campaign manager.

Fox News on Tuesday sent letters to Sanders and Clinton requesting their participation in a California debate. The San Francisco Chronicle also has expressed interest in cosponsoring a California debate.

“More than half way through the month of May, we hope Secretary Clinton will soon make good on her campaign’s commitment and agree to a time and pace for a debate,” Weaver added. “There are issues of enormous importance facing the people of California and our nation and the people of our largest state deserve to hear the Democratic candidates opinions."

Presidential nominating contests often have been decided by the time of California’s June 7 primary, but this year neither candidate yet has enough pledged delegates to clinch the nomination.

“That means the people of California have a rare and important opportunity to play a significant role in determining who the Democratic Party nominee for president will be. Before making that choice, Californians deserve to hear what both candidates have to say on important issues confronting the state and the country,” Weaver concluded.
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