Democratic Presidential Candidates Criticize Debate Schedule and Party Leadership

Democratic presidential candidates Martin O'Malley and Bernie Sanders are speaking out against the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) debate schedule, which has been criticized as rigging the process in favor of Hillary Clinton. The debate schedule, announced by the DNC, limits the number of debates to six, sparking accusations from O'Malley and Sanders that the party is attempting to "rig the process" and "stack the deck" in Clinton's favor. O'Malley went as far as comparing the debate schedule to a professional wrestling match, where the outcome is predetermined.

O'Malley's campaign has also criticized Clinton for her stance on the Keystone XL pipeline, accusing her of "triangulating" on the issue. Clinton has said she will only take a position on the pipeline if she is elected president. O'Malley, on the other hand, has taken a clear stance against the pipeline. Sanders has also expressed disappointment with the debate schedule, but has chosen a more diplomatic approach, calling for an increase in the number of debates.

Key Takeaways:

• Martin O'Malley accused the DNC of "rigging the process and stacking the deck" in favor of Hillary Clinton.
• O'Malley compared the debate schedule to professional wrestling, where the outcome is predetermined.
• O'Malley criticized Clinton for "triangulating" on the Keystone XL pipeline, saying she only takes a position if elected president.
• Bernie Sanders expressed disappointment, but not surprise, at the debate schedule, calling for an increase in the number of debates.
• Sanders stated that he wants to work with the DNC to expand the debate schedule.
• The DNC responded to O'Malley's criticism, saying they run an impartial primary process and believe six debates are sufficient.
• In 2008, there were 25 debates between Democratic presidential candidates, a significant increase from the proposed six debates in the 2016 primary.

Statistics:

• 6 - the number of proposed debates by the DNC.
• 25 - the number of debates held between Democratic presidential candidates in the 2008 primary.
• 2 - the number of Democratic presidential candidates criticizing the debate schedule (Martin O'Malley and Bernie Sanders).
• The number of days until the Iowa caucuses (February 1, 2016, according to the original text, but not explicitly stated in this article).

Sources:

• CNN Interview with Martin O'Malley (no publication date provided)
• Statement from Holly Shulman, DNC Spokesman
• Statement from Bernie Sanders (no publication date provided)