Gov. Inslee Calls for Climate Change-Only Democratic Debate

[DesertRat]

Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA), whose presidential campaign has been built on prioritizing climate change above all issues, is calling on the Democratic National Committee to host a presidential candidate debate solely on that one topic.

“This can’t be a one-off question where candidates get to give a soundbite and move on: Climate change is at the heart of every issue that matters to voters, and voters deserve to hear what 2020 presidential candidates plan to do about it,” Inslee wrote in an email to supporters, with an accompanying petition directed at the DNC. “Each 2020 nominee needs to have a concrete plan to address climate change - and we deserve to hear those plans.”

Beyond scheduling the first two debates this summer, the DNC has not made commitments about the topics, hosts, or even structure of the rest of the dozen primary debates. In a statement to The Daily Beast, the committee said petitions for a single-issue debate on climate change would be considered, but it didn’t go beyond that.

“While Republicans refuse to even acknowledge that climate change is real, Democrats are eager to put forward their solutions to combat climate change, and we will absolutely have these discussions during the 2020 primary process,” Xochitl Hinojosa, communications director for the DNC told The Daily Beast when asked about the petition. “The DNC is currently ironing out the details for all 12 debates and will work with the networks to ensure that Democrats have a platform to discuss these issues directly with the American people."

https://www.thedailybeast.com/jay-inslee-calls-for-a-climate-change-only-democratic-primary-debate

[Eliot Rosewater]

1. I like it, I donated to his campaign for this reason.

[DesertRat]

3. I like this idea too

He's very impressive.

[Andy823]

2. I think this is a great idea

Climate change should be a top issue with every Democrat running, and having a debate just on this issue would really help everyone understand what kind of ideas the candidates have for addressing this very serious issue.

[dogman]

4. This makes sense.

It would be better to see a narrow issue debate to make the issues clear to the viewers. It would also be an indicator of voter interest in those issues.

[DesertRat]

7. I think so too

[sprinkleeninow]

5. I'm still with:

[Uncle Joe]

6. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread DesertRat.

[DesertRat]

8. My pleasure. nt

[oasis]

9. Good idea. Our candidates need to know this stuff, inside and out.

Shouting," no more fracking" just won't cut it.

[Indygram]

10. I wouldn't mind this

I'm more interested in the issue after watching Beto talk about a few specific things in his town halls. He makes it a point to talk to people locally everywhere he goes to learn about their specific issues, ideas and he ties what he learns into his stump speech. He's also the only one I've heard tying climate change to the asylum seekers and immigration on the border. He reminds people that already farmers in the areas people are coming from are not able to grow some crops they used to be able to grow. He also points out that if we don't address climate change aggressively now then there will be even more desperate people at the border because many areas will no longer be able to sustain life. I think this can be a way to appeal to some of those who try to ignore climate change.

He talks alot about cover crops to help with carbon levels, how Texas high school students are able to get free associates degrees and training to do drone powered maintenance on wind turbines right out of high school, etc. Not sure why people accuse him of not having any ideas or policies. He likes the Green New Deal although doesn't want to get hung up on what it's called/labelled.

[sacto95834]

11. YES

i do hope one of the debates cover this issue in depth. certainly what happens to our home trumps all other issues.

we MUST act now before its really too late. i want to hear ideas from our candidates. questions and follow ups must be scrutinized.

any candidate with no plan will loose my support.

[oasis]

12. I agree 100% nt

[loyalsister]

13. We do that with local candidates

I would like to see one devoted to criminal justice reform, as well as disability.

[WeekiWater]

14. Please.

[brooklynite]

15. Followed by a gun-control only debate for Eric Swalwell...

...a health care-only debate for Bernie Sanders...

...a reparations-only debate for Cory Booker...

...a sexual harassment-only debate for Kirsten Gillibrand...

[Skidmore]

16. k&r nt

[theophilus]

17. Super Idea! We have such a marvelous bunch of talented and knowledgeables

seeking the nomination. I think of them as a "Fellowship" of the Ring sort of thing. It would get "good ratings" and would put out many good ideas. Let's do it! This group can work together no matter which one of them is the nominee. What talent! Good on Governor Inslee to put this out.....