Dems Cancel LA Debate Over Strike

Wary of crossing picket lines, the Democratic National Committee today backed out of a presidential debate scheduled to air next month on CBS stations, citing the ongoing strike by TV and film scriptwriters. While talks to end that walkout continue, a potential strike by CBS news writers also complicated matters, the New York Times reports.

A spokeswoman for the news writers’ union quashed rumors that officials had already set a date for a strike against CBS, where employees have been working without a contract for more than two years. Most of the Democratic contenders had already pledged not to cross picket lines, and DNC officials announced no plans to reschedule the Los Angeles debate. (More CBS stories.)