WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute (CBC Institute) has announced that it will sponsor four (4) presidential primary debates for the 2008 election -two for Democratic candidates and two for Republican candidates, and that it has reached an agreement with cable news leader CNN to broadcast two of these debates.

    One of the two debates broadcast by CNN will be among Democratic candidates. This debate will take place in January 2008 in South Carolina, preceding the first-in-the-South primaries. The CBC Institute is also in discussions with the Fox News Channel to broadcast two debates.

  In announcing the primary debates, CBC Institute Board Chair U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) said, "The CBC Institute is continuing a primary debate program initiated during the 2004 campaign. This cycle we are pleased to work with CNN, one of the most influential news networks, to bring the presidential candidates to the broadcast audience."

    Thompson added, "Our goal with each debate is to provide a platform that will allow voters to hear the positions of candidates from both political parties. Our partnership with CNN provides unprecedented viewership and allows the CBC Institute to take the 2008 presidential election to homes across America."

    CNN U.S. President Jon Klein said, "CNN is pleased to join with the CBC Institute in spotlighting two important primary debates. These debates are a meaningful addition to our comprehensive coverage of the 2008 presidential election, particularly as they give us an opportunity to explore more closely a range of issues that will impact the pivotal African-American vote."

    U.S. Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC), majority whip for the HouseDemocratic Caucus stated, "I am thrilled that the CBC Institute and CNN will host a debate in my home state of South Carolina. It is my strong belief that this debate, leading to the first-in-the-South primaries, will be the definitive forum for America as we choose our next president."

    The Presidential Debate Program is one of several initiatives sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute (CBC Institute), a nonprofit organization designed to train and educate African Americans and others on key issues of national policy. The CBC Institute also commissions policy research, holds conferences and symposia, and conducts a political education and campaign training program.  Founded in 2000, the CBC Institute is governed by a board of directors comprised of individuals from academia, business, labor and elective office including members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Its activities are undertaken on a non-partisan basis. For more information visit http://www.cbcinstitute.org.

    CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world's most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com's premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world's most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

from CNN Political Ticker Wednesday, March 14, 2007

CNN to partner with CBC Institute for Jan. '08 Democratic debate in South Carolina
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- CNN and the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute will co-host a presidential debate on the eve of the 2008 South Carolina Democratic primary, leaders with the two organizations announced Wednesday.

CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate the Democratic debate. CNN correspondent Joe Johns and White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux will serve as panelists to question candidates participating in the debate.

"CNN is pleased to join with the CBC Institute in spotlighting this important primary race," said Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S. "This debate provides a meaningful addition to our comprehensive coverage of the 2008 presidential election, particularly as it gives us an opportunity to explore more closely a range of issues that will impact the pivotal African-American vote."

"Our goal with the debate is to provide a platform that will allow voters to hear the positions of candidates, from both political parties, on the critical issues facing our nation," said CBC Institute Board Chairman and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi.

"Every voter deserves an opportunity to evaluate the candidates. Collaborating with CNN provides unprecedented viewership and allows us to take the 2008 presidential election to homes across America."

"I am thrilled that the CBC Institute and CNN will host a debate in my home state of South Carolina," said U.S. Rep. and House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-South Carolina. "It is my strong belief that this debate, leading to the first-in-the-South primaries, will be the definitive forum for America as we choose our next president."

Information on exact times and other details of this debate as well as a CNN/CBC Institute-sponsored Republican presidential debate will be forthcoming.