The Story
On the sixth debate of the year, the candidates gave to thee...no better clue on who's the nominee.
So, another Democratic debate last night?
Right – the sixth out of 12. Seven people qualified this time – the smallest stage yet. It's based on polls and donor requirements. Sorry to the people who didn't make it: Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Former HUD Sec Julián Castro, and more.
Must be tough missing the last debate before 2020 kicks off.
The face time helps. Because now's the time for candidates to start differentiating themselves. Here's how they did that last night:
Former VP Joe Biden…talked up his experience with former President Obama and other world leaders. He said he and his family had been attacked by Republicans. And that his record spoke for itself on Afghanistan.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)…the one owning his pitch for Medicare for All. He noted that the average worker isn't seeing wage growth. And pointed out that while this debate was happening, 500,000 Americans were sleeping on the streets.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)…focused on people she met on the trail and how she wants to root out corruption. She said billionaires should not pick the next president. Also, she takes selfies. And said she'd be the youngest woman ever inaugurated.
South Bend, IN Mayor Pete Buttigieg…is inviting independents and Republicans "to our side." And as the only non-millionaire on the stage, he said he would not turn away supporters who wants to help defeat President Trump.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)…wants to be progressive, but make it practical. Case in point: the House just passed a new version of Trump's trade deal with Canada and Mexico – and Klobuchar is all for it. She wants to build on the Affordable Care Act. And has taken on Brett Kavanaugh. Oh, and she thinks James Madison was tall enough.
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang…pointed out that economic growth doesn't take into account mental health. He hopes to inspire other immigrant families. And wants to outcompete China on tech and give everyone $1,000...plus a copy of his book.
Billionaire activist and donor Tom Steyer...was laser-focused on climate change. He made it clear he'd partner with China – the world's biggest greenhouse gas producer – to tackle the issue, despite what's happening in Hong Kong.
Wait...what about impeachment?
Don't worry, we wouldn't forget the third impeachment of a US president in history. And neither did the candidates. They mostly agreed it was the right move. Klobuchar and Steyer said the American people deserve clarity at the Senate trial. Yang said we all need to stop being obsessed with it. And Buttigieg said it's up to voters in 2020 to decide what happens next.
Any other big moments last night?
There was a serious discussion about the diversity of the candidates on stage...or lack thereof. They also discussed violence against the transgender community. How to support Americans with disabilities. And key differences on fundraising as well as approaches to nuclear energy.
theSkimm
There's only one debate left before the Iowa caucuses on Feb 3, when Americans cast their first votes for their 2020 pick. It's a big deal as most Dem candidates who have won Iowa since 1976 have gone on to become the nominee. So enjoy the holiday break, candidates, because it only gets more intense from here.
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