About Us

Open Debates is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization working to reform the presidential debates so that they better serve the interests of the American people.

Currently, the presidential debates are secretly 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.

Open Debates is engaged in multiple campaigns 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 an alternative presidential debate sponsor - the nonpartisan Citizens' Debate Commission - which is comprised of national civic leaders committed to maximizing voter education.

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