MIAMI — Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom PerezThomas Edward PerezClinton’s top five vice presidential picks Government social programs: Triumph of hope over evidence Labor’s ‘wasteful spending and mismanagement” at Workers’ Comp MORE said Wednesday he’s not worried that the debate between the 2020 contenders will get nasty.
“We’re going to talk about the issues,” Perez told reporters just hours before the first of this week’s two debates was set to kick off. “There will be nobody talking about hand size. There will be nobody talking about silly nicknames for their opponents. We’ll leave that to the Republicans.”
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During a 2016 Republican primary debate, President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE mocked Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioHillicon Valley: Georgia officials launch investigation after election day chaos | Senate report finds Chinese telecom groups operated in US without proper oversight Republican Senators ask FCC to ‘clearly define’ when social media platforms should receive liability protections Trump’s tweet on protester sparks GOP backlash MORE (R-Fla.), saying “Little Marco” has small hands.
The 2016 Republican debates were also marked by frequent tussles between Trump and the rest of the GOP contenders.
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Perez said he believes the 2020 Democrats are largely on the same page but will litigate their differences over policy proposals without getting personal or nasty.
“I think people want to know, what do you stand for, what are you going to fight for, and will you fight for the issues that matter to me, and can you defeat Donald Trump?” Perez said.
“Those are the basic issues that voters are going to analyze, that alignment of values and how they square up,” he added. “People will look for their values and look for evidence of who can take the fight to Donald Trump.”
Ten Democrats will debate Wednesday night, led by Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (Mass.).
The debate Thursday night will feature more top contenders, with former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE, Sens. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) and Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (Calif.), and South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegScaled-back Pride Month poses challenges for fundraising, outreach Biden hopes to pick VP by Aug. 1 It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process MORE all sharing the stage.
The debate stage was set at random, and Perez pushed back on the idea that one night has more star wattage than the other.
“Not in the least,” Perez said, saying Democrats have “a great field of candidates.”
“We have a deep bench of candidates, and this is the sixth mile of the marathon, and who is going to win the marathon? I have no idea,” he said. “I do know that we have a deep bench of candidates and what we’ll see tonight, tomorrow and next month is the opportunity for everybody around the country to see this deep bench and kick the tires and make the judgment for who they want to support.”