Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Monday declined an invitation to participate in a California debate with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders prior to the June 7 primary election.
The Fox News Channel had proposed the debate between the Democratic presidential candidates — both of whom are in the Los Angeles area Monday night — and Sanders tentatively accepted the invitation last week, according to the network.
In a statement to the network today, Jennifer Palmieri of the Clinton campaign said Clinton plans “to compete hard in the remaining primary states, particularly California, while turning our attention to the threat a Donald Trump presidency poses.”
“We believe that Hillary Clinton’s time is best spent campaigning and meeting directly with voters across California and preparing for a general election campaign that will ensure the White House remains in Democratic hands,” Palmieri said.
Fox News Channel Vice President Bill Sammon said the network was “disappointed” by Clinton’s decision, “especially given that the race is still contested and she had previously agreed to a final debate before the California primary.”
Sanders said he was “disappointed but not surprised” by Clinton’s decision.
“Democracy, and respect for the voters of California, would suggest that there should be a vigorous debate in which the voters may determine whose ideas they support,” Sanders said.
“I hope Secretary Clinton reconsiders her unfortunate decision to back away from her commitment to debate.”
–City News Service