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Better Talk Fast: Wasserman Schultz Invites Challenger to 15-Minute Debate

Bernie-backed Canova has been asking for debate for months

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., set the debate time between her and challenger Tim Canova at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., set the debate time between her and challenger Tim Canova at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

After months of demurring, Florida congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has reportedly agreed to debate her Bernie Sanders-backed primary rival.

For 15 minutes. At 8:30 am. On a Sunday.

“I look forward to a thoughtful conversation and robust debate that addresses the issues important to the people of Florida’s 23rd Congressional district,” Wasserman Schultz said in a statement published by several local news organizations.

It was, “unclear” whether her opponent, Tim Canova, would accept the invitation, the Florida Sun Sentinel Reported.

[Sanders a New Headache for Wasserman Schultz in Florida]

Canova told the newspaper that he was hoping for a bit more of the Congresswoman’s time.

“If Debbie Wasserman Schultz believes one 15 minute debate is sufficient to defend her record, it shows she’s learned nothing from her failures in scheduling debates at the DNC before her shameful resignation,” he said in an email.

[DCCC Won’t Fund Wasserman Schultz Race]

Wasserman Schultz resigned from her post as the chair of the Democratic National Committee in July, amid protests over a series of hacked emails leaked that suggested the national party favored Hillary Clinton over Sanders during the primary season.

Shortly afterward, Sanders announced he would campaign for Canova in Florida, making the race unexpectedly competitive. The primary is August 30.

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