DNC eliminates donor threshold for Feb. 19 debate in Las Vegas


The Democratic National Committee released its criteria for the Feb. 19 presidential primary debate in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday.

Candidates have three paths to qualify: (1) receive at least one pledged delegate in the Iowa caucuses or New Hampshire primary; (2) receive 10 percent support in four national, Nevada, and/or South Carolina polls; or (3) receive 12 percent support in two Nevada and/or South Carolina polls.

Each poll must be publicly released between Jan. 15 and Feb. 18.

The donor threshold used in previous debates was eliminated, creating a path to the stage for former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who has not accepted contributions to his campaign.

Three candidates have already qualified: former Vice President Joe Biden and Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Only two other candidates have at least one qualifying poll: Bloomberg and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

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