Clinton, Sanders OK debate, but still apart on when

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders both say they want to have a debate before the New York primary. But the two campaigns have been at odds for days over where and when.

CNN, NBC and ABC are among the networks seeking to carry another faceoff between the two Democratic contenders. Clinton Sunday suggested Thursday, April 14, and Sanders didn’t say no, but said there could a conflict with a big rally planned that day.

Newsday offered Sunday to sponsor a debate jointly with amNewYork, News 12 and Hofstra University.

Rita Ciolli, the editor of the editorial pages for Newsday who conveyed the proposal, said such a forum before a live audience at Hofstra would allow the airing of issues “important to New Yorkers” that “have gotten lost in other national debates.”

Hearing the candidates on issues such the effectiveness of FEMA, counterterrorism funding, water quality and infrastructure “would help New Yorkers understand better how these two candidates would make the mechanisms of the federal government work best for New York,” Ciolli said.

Any date between April 11 and April 14 is available, and times are flexible, she said.

The last debate between the two Democrats was March 9 in Miami.

Sanders accepted an NBC invitation for a prime-time debate Sunday night. Clinton said likewise about going on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Friday, April 15.

— Newsday staff