Bernie Sanders accuses the DNC of playing favorites with Hillary Clinton

Right after sparring with Hillary Clinton on Saturday, Sen. Bernie Sanders said that the latest Democratic debate was scheduled on a weekend evening to limit viewership. It's an outcome that's only helpful to Clinton, whose name recognition is near-universal, while Sanders remains comparatively unknown.

"In Iowa, you know when the debate was held? It was the night of the big football game in Iowa. You think that's a coincidence?" Sanders said in reference to a previous Saturday night debate in mid-November. "So I hope a lot of people watched the debate tonight, I think it was a good debate, but I think there is a desire on the part of the leadership of the DNC to protect Secretary Clinton."

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has for months leveled a similar critique at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), alleging that the primary debate schedule was "rigged" for Clinton's benefit.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up