As its primary debate entry requirements continue to get stricter, the DNC confirmed in a press release Tuesday that its next debate will feature 0 candidates, as none of them met the necessary thresholds.
The CNN/Vox/Jamba Juice October debate – which will run only 13 hours – requires all candidates to average over 30 percent in polling, have at least 15 percent approval with moderates and conservatives and beat Donald Trump in all polling in key swing states. None of the candidates met the criteria, but the debate sponsors think the event will still be a success.
“We think this debate will be an accurate view of the top tier of Democratic presidential candidates,” CNN President Jeff Zucker said. “Only the candidates with a shot at being the next president will be included.”
The debate will include 17 moderators.