The ulterior motive?

The Hidden Motivation Behind GOP Threats to Boycott NBC, CNN

The Republican Party threatened Monday to pull 2016 Republican primary debates from CNN and NBC if they do not drop plans for special programs on potential 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton—a move that could help the national party winnow the number of debates in the coming presidential election cycle.

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Priebus’ threat has already paid off in rallying Republicans to his cause in advance of the meeting next week. Iowa Republican Party chairman A.J. Spiker tweeted that his state would stand with the RNC against CNN and NBC.