Bernie Sanders Says He's Eager to Debate Clinton, Republicans

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is itching to debate Hillary Rodham Clinton — and some Republicans, too.

The Democratic presidential contender is proposing that the 2016 primary debates begin as soon as July. And, in a twist, he'd like Republicans in the mix.

But that's not the plan. The Democratic Party says it will hold six presidential primary debates with its candidates, beginning in the fall. The first Republican debate will be in August.

Sanders says on NBC's "Meet the Press" that "we need a lot more debates in this campaign."

To be sure, Sunday's morning news shows were something of a cross-party debating society of their own. Nine declared or likely presidential candidates appeared on the network programs.