Politics

Majority-female debates aren’t exactly new — in Massachusetts politics, at least

Even if they aren’t so common.

Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton particpated in a debate Thursday moderated by PBS Newshour anchors Gwen Ifil and Judy Woodruff. Morry Gash / AP

The sixth Democratic debate Thursday in Milwaukee made history. With Hillary Clinton on stage with the two moderators, PBS Newshour anchors Gwen Ifil and Judy Woodruff, it was the first time that women were in the majority in a presidential primary debate.

“Somebody told me earlier today we’ve had like 200 presidential primary debates, and this is the first time there have been a majority of women on the stage,’’ Clinton noted. “So, you know, we’ll take our progress wherever we can find it.’’

Presidential primary debates, yes. But Massachusetts gubernatorial debates? Not so fast.

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On October 9, 2002, then-Republican candidate Mitt Romney debated four women in a governor’s debate: Democratic candidate Shannon O’Brien, independent candidate Barbara Johnson, Green Party candidate Jill Stein, and Libertarian Carla Howell.

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Whether it be health care reform, principled taxation, or gender equity in political debates, Bay Staters are proud of their progressive reputation — and Jon Keller, who moderated that 2002 debate, was sure make his thoughts known Wednesday.

Debate ends with tense exchange over Obama.

http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/v1/unsecured/media/245991542/201602/3457/245991542_4751485961001_4751242498001.mp4?pubId=245991542&videoId=4751242498001

Sanders and Clinton get heated in first debate after the New Hampshire Primary.

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