The fourth Republican presidential debate will allow candidates more time to answer questions but will not include opening statements, the New York Times reported Friday, as the fallout from CNBC’s debate continued.
According to an internal Fox Business Network memo obtained by the Times, candidates will have 90 seconds to give an initial answer, 60 seconds for a rebuttal, and 30 seconds to give a closing statement during the debate.
The next contest, hosted by Fox’s business arm and the Wall Street Journal, is scheduled for Nov. 10 in Milwaukee, Wis., with a 6 p.m. ET undercard event and the top tier debate at 9 p.m. ET.
The format of the Republican debates has been an ongoing source of controversy. FBN confirmed the details in the memo to the Times before the dust from CNBC’s Wednesday debate had settled. Candidates had charged this week’s debate was pointedly biased and antagonistic.
Republican National Committee chair Reince Priebus said Friday the party has suspended plans to partner with NBC News for a February debate. Frustrated with the national party, representatives from the campaigns have planned a Sunday meeting in Washington without the RNC to discuss next steps.
Question: Does anyone really care?
You know what? I don’t care. No matter what the format, they’ll still get pissy if they’re asked hard questions and they’ll still lie through their teeth.
Presidential debates used to be sponsored, and moderators / formats chosen, by the League of Women Voters. The League was prescient, years ago, when they cancelled their sponsorship.
This will be so unfair.
Well as the saying goes “Be careful what you wish for”.