What To Expect At The Upcoming US Democratic Debate

The US Democratic Party has new debates coming up at the end of this month on July 30 and 31 in Detroit, Michigan. It is actually just one debate but spread over two days to fit the high amount of candidates. The debate will be hosted and broadcasted by CNN. Here is who has qualified:

• VP Joe Biden
• Gov. Steve Bullock
• Sen. Cory Booker
• Mayor Pete Buttigieg
• Sec. Julian Castro
• Mayor Bill de Blasio
• Rep John Delaney
• Sen. Kamala Harris
• Rep Tulsi Gabbard
• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
• Gov. John Hickenlooper
• Gov. Jay Inslee
• Sen. Amy Klobuchar
• Rep. Beto O’Rourke
• Rep. Tim Ryan
• Sen. Bernie Sanders
• Sen. Elizabeth Warren
• Marianne Williamson
• Andrew Yang

To qualify candidates had to get at least one percent in three separate, reputable polls and raise money from a minimum of 65,000 donors with a minimum of 200 donors in at least 20 states. Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel said they’re “on track” to get him qualified at the last minute onto the debate state and Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak also said he’s trying his best still to qualify.

What To Watch Out For At The Debates

The main difference at this debate is going to be different candidates going head-to-head. The candidates will basically be split up so that half of those polling two percent or higher are onstage with half of those who are below. This will avoid an undercard debate that nobody cares about and ensure a real mix of high-polling and low-polling candidates duking it out onstage. The drawings of exactly who will be random and will take place on Friday, July 19.

As For The Third Debate?

The third debate is going to be smaller because qualification requirements get a lot tougher. The Democratic National Committee has announced the third debate will be in September but candidates will require at least 2 percent in four polls and 130,000 donors with a minimum of 400 donors in at least 20 states to get onstage. Currently only Klobuchar, O’Rourke, Buttigieg (who is being hyped by the media), Harris, Warren, Sanders, Booker and Biden would make the cut, but depending on how the debate goes at the end of this month and how campaigning goes lots could still change.