Keller @ Large: Wasserman Schulz's Fib About The Democratic Debate
BOSTON (CBS) – As you may already know, we like to have fun sometimes in this space. It can't always be gloom and doom.
So today I'm introducing a game we'll play from time to time. I call it: the fib they told, and the truth they should have.
Our very first contestant is Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schulz of Florida, chair of the Democratic National Committee.
The congresswoman sat down with James Pindell of the Globe for an interview, and he asked her why the most recent Democratic presidential debate was scheduled on the Saturday night before Christmas, guaranteeing low viewership?
The fib she told: "We have six debates, and five of the six are on broadcast networks, which typically have a more significant audience than cable."
The truth she should have told: "Look, we've seen how these debates can backfire on the party by giving whackjobs a showcase. I want to bury them on low viewership nights to minimize any damage."
Pindell pressed her on why the Democrats are only holding six debates when the Republicans are having twice as many?
The fib: "The more debates we had then the more [the candidates] will be off the campaign trail. That was not conducive to making sure the candidates have access to voters."
The truth: Hillary Clinton is a friend of mine, we set this up specifically to protect her from political risk, and phony forums with carefully-screened crowds are a great way to do it.
Wasn't that fun?
Join us again for our next installment of the fib they told, and the truth they should have.
Listen to Jon's commentary: