Democratic plan to thin 2020 primary field in disarray as candidates prepare for two debates next month

Ten candidates now appear to have qualified for the September Democratic presidential primary debate stage in Houston, and if that holds, each will appear on the same stage on Sept. 12.

But if one more qualifies, the Democratic National Committee will add a second debate night on Sept. 13. That would provide more speaking time for each candidate, a marked change from the 10-person match-ups in Miami from June 26 to 27 and Detroit on July 30 and 31. With a total of 20 candidates spread over two nights, each aspirant fought to be heard, with some resorting to gimmicks, such as Beto O’Rourke speaking in Spanish during the first debate.