MSNBC, Union Leader team up for unsanctioned Democratic debate

MSNBC and the New Hampshire Union Leader are planning an unsanctioned Democratic Debate, shortly before the New Hampshire primary. The debate, moderated by "Meet the Press" anchor Chuck Todd and MSNBC host Rachel Maddow will take place Feb 4 and would be the only debate between the Iowa caucus and before primary voting in New Hampshire on Feb. 9.

"Our readers have demanded a debate to help them see who is most fit to be the Democratic nominee for President," said Joseph W. McQuaid, president and publisher of the Union Leader. "We were always concerned that this would have been the first time in 32 years without a Democratic debate before the New Hampshire primary. We are glad to partner with MSNBC to ensure Granite Staters have the information they need to make a critical decision on Feb. 9." Organizers hope will include Hillary Clinton, Sen Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Martin O'Malley. The move comes as the Democratic National Committee has faced withering criticisms over their debate schedule, which has just six debates, three of which were scheduled over weekends, and after months of pressure from local Democrats, who have urged the DNC to add more events. But the move — which was driven by the media organizers, apparently — also comes as some operatives near Clinton’s operation have quietly second-guessed their initial wish to hold fewer debates, now that Clinton has performed well in the events so far while remaining in tight contests with Sen Sanders.