CNN says no hand-raising or yes/no questions at second Democratic debate

The Democratic debate stage will be a lot less crowded in September.

As Democrats shift from Miami to Detroit for Tuesday night’s second Democratic debate, they’ll also change networks. And the swap from NBC to CNN brings some changes to the debate format.

NBC News utilized questions asking candidates for a show of hands in certain areas, such as whether their health care plans would call for the elimination of private insurance. For other questions, moderators asked for one-word yes-or-no answers, though candidates often did not comply.

CNN looks to be scrapping both question formats, according to an AP report.

“Invariably a question can be open for interpretation,” said Sam Feist, CNN’s Washington bureau chief.

“Trying to simplify a question into a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer can be confusing and may not always be fair.”

Due to the large size of the Democratic presidential field, candidates will debate over the span of two nights on Tuesday, July 30 and Wednesday, July 31. Each night will feature a different group of 10 candidates.

CNN has selected Dana Bash, Don Lemon and Jake Tapper to moderate the debates, which will run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. both nights.

Among the other changes offered by CNN is the chance for candidates to give both an opening and closing statement. During the first set of debates on NBC, candidates were only given time for a closing statement.

CNN also plans to post an on-screen graphic with a moderator’s question when the candidate answers. That’s aimed at keeping candidates focused on the question at hand, and making clear to viewers at home when they aren’t.

As with NBC, CNN will offer those on stage 60 seconds to respond to questions, and 30 seconds to offer a rebuttal (when warranted).

Tuesday night’s debate will be headlined by Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke of Texas.