Did Hillary Clinton Break DNC Debate Rules?

One of the rules of Democratic debates, put in place by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is that a candidate cannot meet with their staff during the debate, including during breaks.

But this week, Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent Ed Henry tweeted a picture of Clinton with members of her staff during what he says was a debate break:

Sanders aide Jeff Weaver told me photo circulating of @HillaryClinton w/staff during debate break violates DNC rules pic.twitter.com/CYeowyNI7y

— Ed Henry (@edhenry) March 10, 2016

After the photo was posted Bernie Sanders’ campaign manager contacted Henry to inform him that it shows Clinton violating the debate rules.

Not surprisingly the Clinton campaign claimed that Clinton was unaware of the picture:

Candidates are not supposed to confer w staff during commercial breaks — Clinton aide Jen Palmieri told me she wasn’t aware of pic

— Ed Henry (@edhenry) March 10, 2016

Many on twitter joined in on the conversation:

@BernieSanders @SenSanders
Have you seen this? HILLARY cheats, violates DNC rules & still can’t win #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/1uItmvVJAT

— Dr. Victoria Dooley (@DrDooleyMD) March 10, 2016

Apparently #Hillary broke DNC rules at #DemDebate last night, meeting with aides btw segments. Not truly scandalous, but worth noting.

— Michael Mariani (@mikesmariani) March 10, 2016

Donald Trump made a similar error when he spoke with his staff during a break during a GOP debate earlier this month.

Sanders came out the victor regardless, even being designed the winner by The New York Times, which has a history of dismissing him and whose editorial board has endorsed Hillary.