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New Rules for Next Democratic Debate: No 1-Word Answers or Show of Hands

By
David Bauder
David Bauder
and
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
David Bauder
David Bauder
and
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
Down Arrow Button Icon
July 29, 2019, 3:42 PM ET

During the first Democratic presidential debate, NBC thought it could get candidates to answer a question with a simple “yes” or “no.”

No chance. They’re politicians, remember? For the second debate, CNN promises not to call for one-word answers or ask any questions that require a show of hands.

Those are among the changes that CNN will bring to the sessions, which match 10 candidates each night on Tuesday and Wednesday. Dana Bash, Don Lemon and Jake Tapper will moderate.

CNN faces a challenge in trying to match the strong ratings NBC News had in June.

More must-read stories from Fortune:

—Detroit happily steps into role of political HQ as Democrats gather for debate

—How to watch round two of the Democratic debates for free—even without

—Abortion, reparations, Israel: Topics to watch for during the second Democratic debate

—Warren-Sanders match, battle for spotlight among lesser-knowns predicted for tonight’s Democratic debate 

—Trump says he’ll be watching second Democratic debate tonight

—Biden surges in new poll ahead of second Democratic debate

About the Authors
By David Bauder
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By The Associated Press
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