The Story
10 more Democratic candidates turned up the volume last night.
Can we rewind for a sec?
Let's do that. The first round of candidates went on the stage earlier this week. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and former HUD Sec Julián Castro made headlines. But Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) held her own and then some. Overall, Wednesday's debate was a fairly civil discussion of issues like health care, immigration, and the cost of college. Last night, not so much…
Why?
Think: chaos, people talking over each other, and something about the moon landing? Many candidates agreed that China is a threat. All said that the government should provide health care for undocumented immigrants – showcasing how the Dem base has moved to the left. But if you heard a lot of people talking on the mic at the same time...it wasn't NBC's fault. These candidates came with their gloves ready.
What was the big issue of the night?
Each other. So let's get to it...
Most on her game...Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA). She's known for being a firecracker in the Senate. And it was on full display last night. She challenged Biden on issues of race, segregation, and busing. She got everyone to chill out and stop yelling at each other. And she gave her supporters a glimpse at what she'd look like in the ring against President Trump.
Most likely to need a helmet...Former VP Joe Biden. As the front-runner in the race, he was on defense all night. For his voting record in the Iraq War, his relationship status with segregationists, and his age. But if you want his torch, you'll have to come and get it. He made the health care debate personal. Reminded you of his bromance with former President Barack Obama. And may or may not understand what it means to raise his hand.
Most likely to say 'hey ladies'...Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). She stayed focused on reproductive health and paid family leave, and was all about jumping on Sanders's Medicare for All bandwagon.
Most likely to never change...Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). He stuck to his script on billionaires and the top 1%, special interests, Medicare for All, you know the drill.
Most likely to listen to podcasts on 1.5x speed...Andrew Yang. He's here for one thing and one thing only: to give every American adult $1,000/month, no questions asked. Trickle up for what.
Most vying for the title of 'Millennial President'...Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Until yesterday, Mayor Pete looked like he had the millennial thing on lock. But Swalwell came out swinging with his "pass the torch" anthem. And kept it up with his focus on gun violence.
Most likely to answer 'present'…Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and former CO governor John Hickenlooper. Bennet: the one who called out Trump's foreign policy. Hickenlooper: the Science Guy.
Most likely to be at a different event...Marianne Williamson.
theSkimm
The first debate is in the books. And while Biden and Sanders walked in as front-runners, Harris seemed to walk out as one.
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