after some time to reflect, I was looking back at the Dem debates. Each of the leading candidates managed to deal themselves a big blow, in my opinion. Have to remember that the goal here is not only to win the Democratic primary, but not to do or say things that will come back to haunt you in the general.
Biden. Well of course Biden got destroyed by Kamala Harris. How could Biden not have predicted such an attack. His answer was weak and Harris quite properly pointed that out. I also thought Biden looked old and a bit slower than he used to be.
Sanders. Sanders kind of disappeared during this debate. I was struck that standing next to Biden and Harris, Sanders and Biden do show their age. Sanders gave a good closing statement. But he seems to be rehashing his 2016 campaign. Is that going to work? The points are still valid but there is something disconcerting about hearing the same words.
Beto. Beto kicked off the debate with 2 minutes in Spanish. This was unusual. Most candidates may say a sentence or two in Spanish, but I think he overdid it. I think still the big majority of voters do not speak Spanish.
Warren. I have to admit I was a bit disconcerted by Warren’s position that we are getting rid of private insurance. I think for your average voter, that could certainly be a concern. I preferred the position espoused by Buttigieg, who said that public option would compete with private insurance.I guess this is an example of Warren’s bravery but it sure could be a losing position.
Buttigieg. Buttigieg began his answer on the police shooting by admitting that “he couldn’t get it done”. I admire that he takes responsibility but I think that would get cut into an ad and played over and over. So I am not digging it. Plus that was obviously rehearsed. It makes me a little nervous if he is rehearsing that line.
Harris. Harris seems to have achieved the big score, wiping out Biden and perhaps herself. Today she explained that in fact she is for local busing. Perhaps there is some nuance there but it is a bit shocking that the issue that she wiped out BIden on, now she is claiming a similar position.