About Us

Open Debates is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization that works to reform the presidential debates.

Currently, the presidential debates are largely controlled by the Republican and Democratic parties, through a private corporation called the Commission on Presidential Debates.  As a result, challenging formats and popular independent candidates are often excluded from the debates, and fewer debates are held.

Open Debates is engaged in a campaign to inform the public, the news media and policy makers about the antidemocratic conduct of the Commission on Presidential Debates.  Open Debates is also promoting the creation of an alternative presidential debate sponsor comprised of national civic leaders who are committed to maximizing voter education.

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