We had so much fun watching the debate together last time, I thought we’d do it again.
I’ll share my thoughts before the debate begins, but I want to hear from you first. What are you looking for tonight? Which candidate needs a good debate the most? What issues do you want to hear about?
Feel free to leave any questions in the thread, and I’ll try to get to them.
I think Biden and Harris need a good debate, or it is over. I'd love to see clarity on issues of religious freedom. I was pretty concerned with some of the LGBTQIA Town Hall comments. Also, I'd like to see candidates pressed to ensure their responses are truthful, and not simply pandering to the audience. I was impressed that Klobuchar responded honestly to the question about legalizing sex workers. She seems consistently truthful in her responses despite the audience. I expect Beto to be fed to the wolves. And I think he probably deserves it.
Not sure this is make or break for Biden, but Harris needs to start showing she knows why she's running. Looks like both Beto and Buttigieg could be in for rough nights.
I'll be missing our Colorado candidate. I'm looking for some statements that say there's a place for people of traditional faith values in the party. Last week's debate left me feeling like we're the enemy rather than part of the team.
I keep waiting for Booker to have his moment and I hope tonight is the night. Especially after the O'Rourke townhall comment, I think Booker can really lean into his deep ties to religion to make some insightful comments.
I still really struggle to understand how abortion rights have so tightly gripped the Democratic party. (I support UBI because it would help to provide mothers the economic means to make the CHOICE of LIFE for their baby.)
Really not wise for Biden to end his answer there saying Trump is attacking him because he knows Biden will beat him. He's fortunate the moderator moved the conversation, as he invited a pile-on there.
I'll note that many Democrats are sharing their view that Ohio is out of reach for Democrats, and we ought to move on. I disagree, and would love to hear a discussion about what kind of Democratic Party we need to be able to win in Ohio.
Such great comments so far. Here's what I'm looking for tonight:
1. Much of the commentary has suggested that a focus in this debate on Trump's attacks on Biden and his family would be bad for Biden. I disagree. One of the most helpful things for Biden would be for the first 30 minutes of this debate to focus in on Trump v. Biden as if Biden has the nomination already and the general election has already started. Barring a major flub, Biden benefits from being able to defend himself against a president who is uniquely discredited among Democrats.
2. Do other candidates continue to honor Warren's detente, or do we finally see sustained critiques of her?
3. My expectations for a nuanced discussion of religious freedom are pretty low for this debate. My guess would be that the moderator will let the candidates off with just affirming that churches won't be forced to officiate same-sex weddings, and the sweeping implications for religious freedom of their other proposals around LGBT rights will go mostly unexamined. A few caveats on this: Tulsi might stir this up! Don't forget she wrote an op-ed back in the Spring accusing some Democrats of religious bigotry. Also, the NYT editorial board was very vocal on religious exemptions during the Obama years, and so don't be surprised if they address this from the left, and try to get the candidates to reject the idea of religious exemptions. Expect Buttigieg to jump in first. Expect Biden to hang back, if he can, and see how this all plays out.
4. Speaking of Buttigieg, it's possible Buttigieg and Beto both have a rough night, as oddly they've come under the most fire in the days leading up to this debate. You also get the sense that there is some deep antagonism between the Buttigieg, Beto, Booker and Castro camps and all four of them really shouldn't be in this race come mid-January.
Would love to hear some more in depth explanation and analysis of the different positions on splitting up the big tech companies (and how it relates to capitalism vs. democratic socialism, something I don't understand very well) on either of your two podcasts!
Biden's laugh when Warren name-checked Obama to pointedly deny Biden credit for getting the CFPB done! Warren's trying not to attack but that was pretty obvious.
I'm here for Mayor Pete asking to get away from partisan combat, too.
Sadly you are probably right. I had a liking for him at first but now I am turned off being from Texas you think he would better understand that balance but this is a national race and I guess he is focusing on appealing to the progressive wing.
I don't think anyone's going to go after Bernie here. I'd be surprised. Who knows tho? Castro's not afraid to go after the senior citizens in the race :)
I think there are some very solid VP candidates in this field, but I'm only marginally optimistic about the chances of one of the three current front-runners to take on Trump.
With 12 candidates, it just feels like there are too many "storylines" and the constant jockeying from everyone down from Biden/Warren/Sanders is already wearing on me.
Hi Michael, my top issue is Universal Basic Income. Right now, only Yang is talking about it. I like it because UBI directly addresses inequality and gives power to people to solve their own problems rather than coming up with another government program.
Yes, or if he attacks anyone to claim that his idea is more practical or something. He's never attacked anyone yet. I think it's time for him to start pointing out the differences in his ideas.
Quite a line: https://twitter.com/MariaTeresa1/status/1184278071345594369
Hey! A UBI question!
I can't believe Booker tried to say that $15 an hour is more help to a worker than $1000 per month.
Melissa and I looked at each other on that one
I’m legitimately surprised we have some actual conversation between Warren and Yang about UBI.
Lots of UBI talk!
Senator Harris trying to pick up where Gillibrand left off
I think Biden and Harris need a good debate, or it is over. I'd love to see clarity on issues of religious freedom. I was pretty concerned with some of the LGBTQIA Town Hall comments. Also, I'd like to see candidates pressed to ensure their responses are truthful, and not simply pandering to the audience. I was impressed that Klobuchar responded honestly to the question about legalizing sex workers. She seems consistently truthful in her responses despite the audience. I expect Beto to be fed to the wolves. And I think he probably deserves it.
Not sure this is make or break for Biden, but Harris needs to start showing she knows why she's running. Looks like both Beto and Buttigieg could be in for rough nights.
I'll be missing our Colorado candidate. I'm looking for some statements that say there's a place for people of traditional faith values in the party. Last week's debate left me feeling like we're the enemy rather than part of the team.
Me too!
I can understand that I felt similar I am not planning to join the GOP so worst comes to worst where do we go?
I keep waiting for Booker to have his moment and I hope tonight is the night. Especially after the O'Rourke townhall comment, I think Booker can really lean into his deep ties to religion to make some insightful comments.
Me too!
I'd really like to see Biden pass the baton to Booker, but that seems...doubtful.
Sanders missed his calling as a comic.
well...it looks like Booker is doubling down on abortion. Ugh.
OK, folks! What did you think? Who stuck out to you tonight?
I still really struggle to understand how abortion rights have so tightly gripped the Democratic party. (I support UBI because it would help to provide mothers the economic means to make the CHOICE of LIFE for their baby.)
Really not wise for Biden to end his answer there saying Trump is attacking him because he knows Biden will beat him. He's fortunate the moderator moved the conversation, as he invited a pile-on there.
Mayor Pete the first to talk directly to the viewer, to the voter.
Great little stat from Castro about OH, PA, MI losing jobs in last economic report.
Is that true? Wow...
I'll note that many Democrats are sharing their view that Ohio is out of reach for Democrats, and we ought to move on. I disagree, and would love to hear a discussion about what kind of Democratic Party we need to be able to win in Ohio.
OK. The debate starts now!
Such great comments so far. Here's what I'm looking for tonight:
1. Much of the commentary has suggested that a focus in this debate on Trump's attacks on Biden and his family would be bad for Biden. I disagree. One of the most helpful things for Biden would be for the first 30 minutes of this debate to focus in on Trump v. Biden as if Biden has the nomination already and the general election has already started. Barring a major flub, Biden benefits from being able to defend himself against a president who is uniquely discredited among Democrats.
2. Do other candidates continue to honor Warren's detente, or do we finally see sustained critiques of her?
3. My expectations for a nuanced discussion of religious freedom are pretty low for this debate. My guess would be that the moderator will let the candidates off with just affirming that churches won't be forced to officiate same-sex weddings, and the sweeping implications for religious freedom of their other proposals around LGBT rights will go mostly unexamined. A few caveats on this: Tulsi might stir this up! Don't forget she wrote an op-ed back in the Spring accusing some Democrats of religious bigotry. Also, the NYT editorial board was very vocal on religious exemptions during the Obama years, and so don't be surprised if they address this from the left, and try to get the candidates to reject the idea of religious exemptions. Expect Buttigieg to jump in first. Expect Biden to hang back, if he can, and see how this all plays out.
4. Speaking of Buttigieg, it's possible Buttigieg and Beto both have a rough night, as oddly they've come under the most fire in the days leading up to this debate. You also get the sense that there is some deep antagonism between the Buttigieg, Beto, Booker and Castro camps and all four of them really shouldn't be in this race come mid-January.
5. HOW DOES TOM STEYER DO?!?!?!?
Alright, fam. Let's do this.
I am curious as to what Steyer has to offer as he has been largely about Trump's impeachment.
Harris makes an interesting juxtaposition between "created function" and "autonomy."
yep...
Would love to hear some more in depth explanation and analysis of the different positions on splitting up the big tech companies (and how it relates to capitalism vs. democratic socialism, something I don't understand very well) on either of your two podcasts!
I think it's pretty cool that Warren's brothers are still Republicans.
Biden's laugh when Warren name-checked Obama to pointedly deny Biden credit for getting the CFPB done! Warren's trying not to attack but that was pretty obvious.
I'm here for Mayor Pete asking to get away from partisan combat, too.
Finally Liz Warren takes the monopoly discussion to campaign finance...
Has there been a substantive health care discussion yet?
Yes, first hour
Ah, I missed it for a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad soccer match. I'll have to catch summaries... maybe on a podcast or newsletter ;)
Am I understanding correctly that religious liberty and tax exemption hasn't come up yet?
correct
I iust turned this on after the soccer match. Has it all been this disjointed? Why did Beto and Mayor Pete get 10 minutes of 1v1 on guns?
Is there a strategy behind so much focus on Trump? Or is it just low-hanging fruit?
Trump is a human black hole
Understood.
lol
Warren makes a great point about billionaires building their wealth with the help of the rest of the American society. No one is self made!
Go Amy!
Is having Steyer on the stage good or bad for the legitimate contenders?
I think Beto will need to be careful his last few statements have very much turned off conservatives and Democrats of faith such as me.
Sadly, I don't think he cares
Sadly you are probably right. I had a liking for him at first but now I am turned off being from Texas you think he would better understand that balance but this is a national race and I guess he is focusing on appealing to the progressive wing.
How do you think Bernie stepping away for health reasons will be addressed? I'm guessing a moderator will be the first to bring it up.
I don't think anyone's going to go after Bernie here. I'd be surprised. Who knows tho? Castro's not afraid to go after the senior citizens in the race :)
I think there are some very solid VP candidates in this field, but I'm only marginally optimistic about the chances of one of the three current front-runners to take on Trump.
With 12 candidates, it just feels like there are too many "storylines" and the constant jockeying from everyone down from Biden/Warren/Sanders is already wearing on me.
Hi Michael, my top issue is Universal Basic Income. Right now, only Yang is talking about it. I like it because UBI directly addresses inequality and gives power to people to solve their own problems rather than coming up with another government program.
It will be interesting to see if Yang's ideas receive a critique from any of his opponents as this campaign goes on
Yes, or if he attacks anyone to claim that his idea is more practical or something. He's never attacked anyone yet. I think it's time for him to start pointing out the differences in his ideas.
It feels like Yang is the smart/mature kid that still gets "kids tabled" because everyone is concerned that he'll derail the "adult" conversation.