The Democratic Party said on Friday it plans on holding the next Democratic debate on one night -- Tuesday, October 15 -- with as many as 12 candidates on one stage.
In general, 10 candidates have been the max on one stage for nationally televised presidential debates. But party officials said on Friday that holding the debate on one night will maximize viewership.
"Our goal has always been to expand viewership, and we also believe that one night worked well for this last debate," a party official said.
In the September debate, 10 candidates qualified for the debate, which was held on one night.
Those who have met the threshold for the next debate are: former Vice President Joe Biden, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, businessman Tom Steyer, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and businessman Andrew Yang.
Although candidates still have another four days to qualify, it does not appear any other candidates will qualify.
Also, whether all 12 candidates stay in the race until October 15 is unknown. Some candidates are already facing difficulties keeping their campaigns funded. One candidate who is already suggesting he is on the brink of dropping out is Booker.
Booker's campaign manager, Addisu Demissie, sent a memo, which was published on Medium.com, that said the Booker campaign is in need of $1.7 million to continue operating.
The reason is simple: it's expensive to run a national campaign. The goal for candidates like Booker is not just to win early primary states, but to continue a campaign past February.
The Oct. 15 debate will be broadcast on CNN.
