The Black Lives Matter movement seemingly has more clout with the Democratic National Committee than Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's political opponents may not have been able to secure more debates for the 2016 presidential primaries, but the DNC has agreed to a town hall discussion hosted by the #BlackLivesMatter network and Campaign Zero activists.
"We believe that your organization would be an ideal host for a presidential candidate forum – where all of the Democratic candidates can showcase their ideas and policy positions that will expand opportunity for all, strengthen the middle class and address racism in America," DNC CEO Amy K. Dacey said Wednesday in a letter to movement's leaders, the Washington Post reported.
The ball is now in their court.
Black Lives Matter organizer Elle Hearns said the DNC's decision not to host an additional debate on racial themes, after a request was made Tuesday, was disappointing.
"Their response to our request is unsatisfactory. Debbie Wasserman Schultz should be more mindful of her responsibility not only to the DNC, but to the American people," Hearns told the newspaper.
Activist DeRay Mckesson said Wednesday he is working to secure commitments from all presidential candidates to attend a town hall, the Post reported. He will also attempt coordinate a similar effort with the Republican National Committee.
"We want to bring together all of the candidates, not focused on either political party, to have a conversation centered on race and criminal justice," Mckesson said.