CBS said it will be significantly changing the focus of Saturday night’s presidential debate with Democratic candidates to focus more on questions about terrorism, national security, and foreign relations.
The New York Times reported that the change in focus came after several terrorists killed more than 100 people in Paris in seemingly coordinated attacks in six locations around the city. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which many experts say tracks with their knowledge of the terrorist group’s strategies.
“This is exactly what the president is going to have to face,” Steve Capus, the executive editor of CBS News and the executive producer of CBS Evening News, told the Times.
Democrats have received criticism for scheduling a debate on Saturday night, a highly unusual move, at a time many weren’t expected to watch. It’s possible the Paris attacks will inspire a new audience for the debate.
Since the first Democratic debate last month, the field has narrowed, and tonight’s debate will only feature former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley. The debate will begin in Des Moines, Iowa at 9 p.m. Eastern time.