Democrats Quash Climate Debate Push From Activists in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The Democratic National Committee is quashing a push from climate activists and some national party members who want a 2020 presidential primary debate devoted exclusively to the climate crisis.
The national party committee on Saturday rejected a resolution that would have authorized a climate debate. The vote was 222 to 137.
The move drew rebukes from the Sunrise Movement and other activists who say the party leadership is ignoring young voters' priorities.
Party Chairman Tom Perez has said throughout the early months of the primary campaign that he opposes one-issue debates even as he appreciates the increasing emphasis on climate policy.
Perez notes that the party has encouraged candidates to participate in issue-specific forums that don't involve multiple candidates being on the same stage together.
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