Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Martin O'Malley before the CNN Democratic presidential debate. | AP Photo Everything you need to know about Saturday's Democratic debate

When is the next Democratic presidential debate?

The second Democratic presidential debate will be Saturday, Nov. 14, live from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. The school has been a staple for primary debates: It has hosted nationally televised debates every presidential cycle since 2007. Sheslow Auditorium, where the debate will occur, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It holds just 775 seats and has striking stained glass windows. If you’re eager to look like an insider, refer to the campus neighborhood as “Dogtown.”


What time and how long is the debate?

The debate will last two hours and begin at 9 p.m. Eastern time. It should look markedly different than the last Democratic debate: With just three candidates, each participant should be able to speak for a length of time equivalent to a stump speech.

CBS News says there will be no opening statements. Candidates will have 60 seconds to respond, 30 seconds for rebuttals and follow-ups, and 60 seconds for closing statements.

How can I watch the debate?

The debate will air on CBS and stream for free at www.cbsnews.com/live/. No cable subscription is necessary. CBS will also air the debate on its radio affiliates, meaning anyone with network TV, radio or Internet access can take it in. Those already tuned in to the live broadcast of the Midwest favorite Prairie Home Companion can simply switch the radio dial to listen.

The debate competes with a local football game as regional adversary Minnesota comes to Iowa City to play the fifth-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes in a critical matchup just over 100 miles away. The winner of the Democratic debate will not receive the Floyd of Rosedale pig trophy awarded to the winner of the game.

Does this debate have a theme?

CBS News’ John Dickerson told The Des Moines Register he plans to focus the debate on the economy — especially wages and income inequality. Even health care, education and retirement issues will revolve on the axis of finance. “The goal of the moderator is to illuminate the views of the candidates on the issues that matter the most to voters, and you don’t need to be on the side of the party to do that,” Dickerson told the newspaper.

Who will participate in the debate?

After Lincoln Chafee and Jim Webb dropped out shortly after the last debate, the field was left with three candidates: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley. In April, President Barack Obama joked that even attendees at an O’Malley campaign event wouldn’t recognize O’Malley, but after two debates, he seems to have earned at least a modest following. Just two days before the debate, he’ll dine with a family in Austin, Texas, headed by an illegal immigrant.

Where will they stand on the stage?

It would be an understatement to say Clinton has a commanding lead, which means she’ll stand center stage, flanked by Sanders and O’Malley.

Who will moderate the debate?

There will be four people involved in moderating the debate, with Dickerson taking the lead as the principal moderator. Dickerson--known for acerbic questions asked on “Face the Nation” every Sunday--will get help from his CBS News colleague Nancy Cordes, the network’s congressional correspondent. Two local journalists will also pitch in on the panel with Cordes: KCCI’s Kevin Cooney and the Des Moines Register’s Kathie Obradovich. Cooney has been a stalwart of local politics and breaking news for decades and is retiring this month .

How will Sanders go after Clinton?

In the last debate’s most memorable moment, the Ronda Rousey-endorsed Sanders seemed to put the issue of Clinton’s email scandal(s) to rest. But he soon backed off his backing off the topic, telling The Wall Street Journal that the controversies involve “valid questions.” Sanders continues his implicit anti-Clinton campaign in a state that could decide his fate as a self-appointed revolutionary.

Will Clinton continue to be haunted by Iowa?

After losing to Barack Obama in a wrenching defeat in the 2008 Iowa caucuses, Clinton has spent the past few years building another sturdy following in the state. Any feelings of betrayal don’t appear to affect her in this less-competitive race. She has the endorsement of the beloved former Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, and she’s convincing undecided Iowa Democrats that she is indeed the best choice for the nomination.

When is the fifth Republican debate?

The fifth Republican debate is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15 in Las Vegas — the last Republican debate of the calendar year. It will be hosted by CNN and Salem Radio and moderated by Wolf Blitzer. Hugh Hewitt will return to contribute questions.

When is the next Democratic debate?

In another Saturday night bout, the candidates will next take the stage Saturday, Dec. 19 in Manchester, New Hampshire. The debate will be hosted by ABC News, the New Hampshire Democratic Party, WMUR-TV and the Union Leader.