Commission on Presidential Debates: Insights Into a Rigged System

Does an October 11, 2019 press release from the Commission on Presidential Debates (“CPD”) announcing its 2020 debate schedule, and a recent court opinion, provide a glimpse into who controls our government?

The CPD press release reiterates Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) requirements that candidate participation in Presidential debates be made on the basis of “pre-established, objective” criteria, applied to all candidates, and emphasizes its mission as “voter education.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, CPD/FEC disguise a century-old effort by Republicans and Democrats and their officeholders, to ensure the laws are structured to limit ballot access and the political speech of those outside the two major parties.

The CPD, a private organization operating under FEC regulations, has government authorization to set standards that prevent third-party candidates from participating in presidential debates. The CPD has this power as long it does not directly endorse, support, or oppose a candidate, and selects at least two debate candidates.