Hillary Clinton’s press secretary agreed that the leading Democratic presidential candidate would be “perfectly willing” to participate in a Democratic debate in New York before the April 19th primary.
“If they can find a mutually agreeable date in the next couple of weeks before New York, I think it could happen,” Brian Fallon said during an interview on Bloomberg television Tuesday.
When further asked if he thought there was a downside to debating in New York, Fallon responded, “I don’t think so.”
Bernie Sanders’ campaign first called upon the Clinton campaign to hold a New York debate weeks ago, as both candidates have personal and professional ties to Brooklyn. At first the Clinton campaign ignored the requests, but it has slowly come around to the idea in the face of increased pressure from the Sanders campaign.
“It is difficult to understand your motivation,” Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver wrote in a letter to Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook on Sunday.
“Can you please explain why New York should not host the April debate?” he asked in the letter. “Is the secretary concerned about debating before the people who twice elected her to the U.S. Senate? Perhaps there is some tactical advantage you are seeking by avoiding a debate in New York but I would remind you that Senator Sanders agreed to debate the secretary in New Hampshire when he was well ahead.”
