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Democratic Debate 2019 Live: Candidates Face Off in Detroit Democratic Debate 2019 Live: Candidates Face Off in Detroit
(32 minutes later)
After the latest commercial break, the debate turned to a topic that polls show Democratic voters are obsessed with: beating President Trump.
Mr. Hickenlooper was asked about his past warning that embracing socialism, and Mr. Sanders in particular, would doom the Democratic Party. He hesitated to attack Mr. Sanders personally but whacked at his policies.
“That is a disaster at the ballot box. You might as well FedEx the election to Donald Trump,” Mr. Hickenlooper said, citing the Medicare for All plan that would eliminate private insurance for 180 million Americans.
Mr. Sanders responded: “The truth is that every credible poll that I have seen has me beating Donald Trump!” To which Mr. Ryan interjected: “Hillary Clinton was winning in the polls, too!”
Then Mr. Ryan, who has pitched himself as aligned with the working-class voters of Ohio, listed the liberal stances taken by the progressive leaders onstage.
“We have talked about taking private health insurance away from union members in industrial Midwest, we have talked about decriminalizing the border, and we’ve talked about giving free health care to undocumented workers when so many Americans are struggling to pay for their health care,” he said. “I quite frankly don’t think that that is an agenda that we can move forward on and win.”
– Ms. Warren to Mr. Delaney
Several of the candidates made impassioned cases for more robust gun control measures and for reining in the National Rifle Association.
Mr. Buttigieg, 37, referenced his experience as a member of a younger generation to make an urgent case for gun reform.
“This is the exact same conversation we have been having when I was in high school,” he said. “I was a junior when the Columbine shooting happened. I am the first generation to see school shootings. We have produced the second generation.”
Other candidates who have not always been staunch advocates of gun control stressed that today they want to see stricter measures.
“I come from one of the most rural states in America,” Mr. Sanders said, asked about a past statement expressing doubt about the impact of gun control measures. “I have a D-minus voting record from the NRA and as president I suspect it will be an F record. What I believe we have got to do is have the guts to finally take on the N.R.A.”
Mr. Bullock noted his personal connections to both sides of the issue.
"I’m a gun owner, I hunt,” he said. “Like far too many people in America, I have been personally impacted by gun violence. Had an 11-year-old nephew, Jeremy, shot and killed on a playground. We need to start looking at this as a public health issue, not a political issue. I agree with Senator Klobuchar. It is the N.R.A.”
After extensive exchanges on health care, the debate turned to immigration and whether crossing the border should be decriminalized.
"When I am president, illegally crossing the border will still be illegal,” Mr. Buttigieg said. “We can argue over the finer points of which parts should be handled by civil law and criminal law.”
Ms. Warren argued for fully decriminalizing border crossing, saying of Mr. Trump, “It’s what gives him the ability to lock up people at our borders.”
Mr. O’Rourke said he would decriminalize, adding, “I expect that people who come here follow our laws and we reserve the right to criminally prosecute them.”
Two of the more centrist contenders onstage, Mr. Bullock and Mr. Ryan, ripped into the immigration proposals advocated by Ms. Warren and Mr. Sanders. Mr. Bullock warned that the debate was only going to help President Trump, who has shown a penchant for mobilizing his base on the issue of immigration.
“You are playing into Donald Trump’s hands,” Mr. Bullock said to Ms. Warren in an exchange about decriminalizing border crossings, something she supports.
Mr. Ryan made a robust case against decriminalizing border crossings, as well as against providing government health care to undocumented people, another proposal other Democrats onstage support.
“Everyone else in America is paying for their health care,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a stretch for us to ask undocumented people in the country to also pay for health care.”
The opening minutes of the debate were substantive as the Democrats sparred over health care policy, one of the issues with the largest gulf between the Democratic field.The opening minutes of the debate were substantive as the Democrats sparred over health care policy, one of the issues with the largest gulf between the Democratic field.
On the left, Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren embraced Medicare for All. The rest of the field, like Mr. Buttigieg and Gov. Steve Bullock, took more moderate positions. On the left, Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren embraced Medicare for All. The rest of the field, like Mr. Buttigieg and Mr. Bullock, took more moderate positions.
“I just have a better way to do this,” Senator Amy Klobuchar said, after she was asked to respond to past remarks from Ms. Warren that those who do not want to fully overhaul the current system are “spineless.” “I just have a better way to do this,” Ms. Klobuchar said, after she was asked to respond to past remarks from Ms. Warren that those who do not want to fully overhaul the current system are “spineless.”
Former Representative Beto O’Rourke, who is seeking a break-out moment, sought to swipe at a wide range of ideological opponents over the question of expanding access to health care. Mr. O’Rourke, who is seeking a breakout moment, sought to swipe at a wide range of ideological opponents over the question of expanding access to health care.
“We’re being offered a false choice,” he said. Pressed on who specifically was offering a false choice, he replied, “You have some, Gov. Bullock, who’s said, ‘We will improve the Affordable Care Act at the margins.’”“We’re being offered a false choice,” he said. Pressed on who specifically was offering a false choice, he replied, “You have some, Gov. Bullock, who’s said, ‘We will improve the Affordable Care Act at the margins.’”
“You have others to my right,” he continued, referencing opponents onstage, “talking about taking away people’s choice for the private insurance they have.”“You have others to my right,” he continued, referencing opponents onstage, “talking about taking away people’s choice for the private insurance they have.”
As some moderates on stage warned that Republicans would attack the Democrats for proposing major “Medicare for all” programs, Mr. Buttigieg said that Democrats should press on with their ideas. As some moderates onstage warned that Republicans would attack the Democrats for proposing major “Medicare for all” programs, Mr. Buttigieg said that Democrats should press on with their ideas.
“It’s time to stop worrying about what the Republicans will say,” he said to applause. “If it’s true that if we embrace a far left agenda, they’re going to say we’re a bunch of crazy socialists. If we embrace a conservative agenda, you know what they’re going to do? They’re going to say we’re a bunch of crazy socialists. So let’s just stand up for the right policy and go up there and defend it.”“It’s time to stop worrying about what the Republicans will say,” he said to applause. “If it’s true that if we embrace a far left agenda, they’re going to say we’re a bunch of crazy socialists. If we embrace a conservative agenda, you know what they’re going to do? They’re going to say we’re a bunch of crazy socialists. So let’s just stand up for the right policy and go up there and defend it.”
He went on to pitch his “Medicare for all who want it” health care program, which would allow the public to opt into government coverage as an option.He went on to pitch his “Medicare for all who want it” health care program, which would allow the public to opt into government coverage as an option.
Mr. Ryan, who represents a blue-collar slice of Ohio, clashed with Mr. Sanders over the question of how Medicare for All would affect union members who like their health care plans.”Mr. Ryan, who represents a blue-collar slice of Ohio, clashed with Mr. Sanders over the question of how Medicare for All would affect union members who like their health care plans.”
You don’t know that,” Mr. Ryan interjected when Mr. Sanders argued that his plan would provide better, more comprehensive coverage.You don’t know that,” Mr. Ryan interjected when Mr. Sanders argued that his plan would provide better, more comprehensive coverage.
“I do know,” Mr. Sanders replied. “I wrote the damn bill.”“I do know,” Mr. Sanders replied. “I wrote the damn bill.”
The first question of the debate went to Mr. Sanders, who was asked about Mr. Delaney’s accusation in his opening statement that his push for Medicare for All would re-elect President Trump.The first question of the debate went to Mr. Sanders, who was asked about Mr. Delaney’s accusation in his opening statement that his push for Medicare for All would re-elect President Trump.
“You’re wrong!” Mr. Sanders said.“You’re wrong!” Mr. Sanders said.
The audience cheered.The audience cheered.
Mr. Sanders went on to outline his position and highlight the debate’s proximity to Canada.Mr. Sanders went on to outline his position and highlight the debate’s proximity to Canada.
“Five minutes away from here, John, is a country called Canada. They guarantee health care to every man, woman and child as a human right. They spend half of what we spend and by the way, when you end up in a hospital in Canada, you come out with no bill at all,” Mr. Sanders said.“Five minutes away from here, John, is a country called Canada. They guarantee health care to every man, woman and child as a human right. They spend half of what we spend and by the way, when you end up in a hospital in Canada, you come out with no bill at all,” Mr. Sanders said.
Mr. Delaney argued against Medicare for All, which would phase out the private insurance industry. “We don’t have to go around and be the party of subtraction,” he said.Mr. Delaney argued against Medicare for All, which would phase out the private insurance industry. “We don’t have to go around and be the party of subtraction,” he said.
Ms. Warren, who along with Mr. Sanders supports Medicare for All, jumped in to side with Mr. Sanders against Mr. Delaney.Ms. Warren, who along with Mr. Sanders supports Medicare for All, jumped in to side with Mr. Sanders against Mr. Delaney.
“We are the Democrats,” Ms. Warren said. “We should stop using Republican talking points.”“We are the Democrats,” Ms. Warren said. “We should stop using Republican talking points.”
Mr. Bullock: describes himself as a governor of a red state (Montana) who is a “pro-choice, pro-union, populist” Democrat who can win Trump states.Mr. Bullock: describes himself as a governor of a red state (Montana) who is a “pro-choice, pro-union, populist” Democrat who can win Trump states.
Ms. Williamson: argues that “conventional politics is part of the problem” as she pitches her unconventional candidacy.Ms. Williamson: argues that “conventional politics is part of the problem” as she pitches her unconventional candidacy.
Mr. Delaney: criticizes Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren as too liberal and warns that if the Democratic Party lurches too far left, Democrats will lose.Mr. Delaney: criticizes Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren as too liberal and warns that if the Democratic Party lurches too far left, Democrats will lose.
Mr. Ryan: decries a “broken” partisan political system and promises “solutions that are bold, that are realistic.”Mr. Ryan: decries a “broken” partisan political system and promises “solutions that are bold, that are realistic.”
Mr. Hickenlooper: hits Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren as well and says he is more “pragmatic.”Mr. Hickenlooper: hits Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren as well and says he is more “pragmatic.”
Ms. Klobuchar: contrasts herself with President Trump and says, “I have had it with the racist attacks.”Ms. Klobuchar: contrasts herself with President Trump and says, “I have had it with the racist attacks.”
Mr. O’Rourke: calls on the United States to stand up for human rights and national unity.Mr. O’Rourke: calls on the United States to stand up for human rights and national unity.
Mr. Buttigieg: warns “our country is running out of time” and that economic problems, war and climate change are threatening the future of the nation.Mr. Buttigieg: warns “our country is running out of time” and that economic problems, war and climate change are threatening the future of the nation.
Ms. Warren: attacks Mr. Trump as a president who “disgraces the office” and promises “big structural change.”Ms. Warren: attacks Mr. Trump as a president who “disgraces the office” and promises “big structural change.”
Mr. Sanders: criticizes big tech companies like Amazon and the fossil fuel industry, and promises to “transform our economy.”Mr. Sanders: criticizes big tech companies like Amazon and the fossil fuel industry, and promises to “transform our economy.”
CNN has declared the second Democratic debate underway. The 10 candidates took the stage one at a time, with Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren entering first to loud applause and giving each other a brief hug. Eight other Democrats followed, after which an honor guard presented the colors and some of the candidates and audience members took part in the singing the national anthem.
After a commercial break, the candidates will deliver opening statements.
The final hour before the debate was like a long commercial for the Democratic Party and its leadership, as CNN offered live coverage of party officials and liberal leaders taking shots at President Trump in speech after speech at the Fox Theater in Detroit.
“Democrats have your back on the issues that matter most,” Tom Perez, the Democratic National Committee chairman, shouted from the stage, “while the president has had a knife in your back.”
It was just one of numerous sharp lines Mr. Perez delivered. (He also said Mr. Trump gave “big Pharma a big fat tax cut.”) One that garnered particular loud applause was a rejoinder to Mr. Trump’s recent Twitter tirade against Al Sharpton, the civil rights leader and media personality.
“Reverend Sharpton, thank you for your leadership,” Mr. Perez said.
The face-off between Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren has been billed as the marquee matchup of Tuesday’s debate. The two progressive standard-bearers share much in common in terms of policy, and at first glance they seem similarly situated in the polls: They each hold around 15 percent in the most recent surveys, placing them in a rough tie for second place behind Joseph R. Biden Jr., the former vice president. But there’s more divergence in their supporters than one might think.The face-off between Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren has been billed as the marquee matchup of Tuesday’s debate. The two progressive standard-bearers share much in common in terms of policy, and at first glance they seem similarly situated in the polls: They each hold around 15 percent in the most recent surveys, placing them in a rough tie for second place behind Joseph R. Biden Jr., the former vice president. But there’s more divergence in their supporters than one might think.
Ms. Warren draws from a whiter, more affluent and better-educated group of Democrats; Mr. Sanders’s supporters, on the other hand, are younger, more diverse, less affluent and less likely to have graduated from college.Ms. Warren draws from a whiter, more affluent and better-educated group of Democrats; Mr. Sanders’s supporters, on the other hand, are younger, more diverse, less affluent and less likely to have graduated from college.
And while Ms. Warren’s gains over the last several months might seem to have come at the expense of Mr. Sanders, it is not so clear whether the two candidates are competing for the same group of voters. Polls show that Senator Kamala Harris, not Mr. Sanders, is the second choice for a plurality of Ms. Warren’s supporters, according to Morning Consult polls. Perhaps surprisingly, Mr. Biden is the second choice for a plurality of Mr. Sanders’s supporters. Should either falter, it is not obvious that the other stands to make outsize gains, at least in the polls.And while Ms. Warren’s gains over the last several months might seem to have come at the expense of Mr. Sanders, it is not so clear whether the two candidates are competing for the same group of voters. Polls show that Senator Kamala Harris, not Mr. Sanders, is the second choice for a plurality of Ms. Warren’s supporters, according to Morning Consult polls. Perhaps surprisingly, Mr. Biden is the second choice for a plurality of Mr. Sanders’s supporters. Should either falter, it is not obvious that the other stands to make outsize gains, at least in the polls.
For now, Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren trail Mr. Biden in no small part because of Mr. Biden’s support among older, more moderate and black voters. Many of the other candidates onstage Tuesday have similar challenges.For now, Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren trail Mr. Biden in no small part because of Mr. Biden’s support among older, more moderate and black voters. Many of the other candidates onstage Tuesday have similar challenges.
Pete Buttigieg, for instance, draws from a particularly well-educated and white group of Democrats. It is enough to give him around 6 percent of Democrats nationwide, and a chance to compete in Iowa and New Hampshire, where voters are relatively white. But it will be difficult for him, or anyone, to contend for the nomination without broader support among nonwhite Democrats.Pete Buttigieg, for instance, draws from a particularly well-educated and white group of Democrats. It is enough to give him around 6 percent of Democrats nationwide, and a chance to compete in Iowa and New Hampshire, where voters are relatively white. But it will be difficult for him, or anyone, to contend for the nomination without broader support among nonwhite Democrats.
President Trump’s re-election campaign announced Tuesday that it was buying a television ad during the Democratic debates in Detroit as well as full-page ads in the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News attacking his would-be Democratic rivals. Reported and written by Nate Cohn, Katie Glueck and Shane Goldmacher.
“They’re all the same,” an announcer intones twice in a deep baritone in a 30-second ad that accuses Democrats of supporting “giving illegal immigrants free health care at our expense.” The ad shows footage from the first debate when Democrats were asked if their government health care plans would “provide coverage for undocumented immigrants.”
The re-election campaign of Mr. Trump, an avid consumer of cable news, said it had reserved time on Tuesday and Wednesday on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News to coincide with the two nights of debates.
It remains to be seen if Mr. Trump inserts himself into the evening’s proceedings via Twitter.
One of the Michigan women who helped Democrats capture the House of Representatives last year warned her party in stark terms on Tuesday that it could not afford to run too far to the left and expect to carry her state in 2020.
Representative Elissa Slotkin, a former intelligence analyst who defeated an incumbent Republican in the Detroit suburbs, said in an interview blocks from the Fox Theater — that Democrats should ground their campaigns on “practical ideas of how to fix things” rather than promises of social transformation or caustic attacks on President Trump.
“They’re looking for someone who’s a uniter and not a divider,” Ms. Slotkin said of Michigan voters. “Someone who’s still hopeful in talking about the great things about this country.”
Though she did not criticize any candidates by name, Ms. Slotkin seemed to indicate discomfort with two: Invoking one of Ms. Warren’s signature phrases, she said voters in her district were not looking for sweeping “structural change” in the economy. Neither, she said, were they rejecting “the American concept of capitalism” — a likely allusion to the self-described democratic socialism of Mr. Sanders.
Voters, she said, were “losing faith that the government can do small things” — let alone enact monumental economic change.
Ms. Slotkin said candidates who want to carry Michigan should take note of the Democratic ticket voters here embraced last year.
“We had an election in November,” Ms. Slotkin said. “From governor all the way down, we elected moderate, reasonable, practical Democratic women.”
Of the 2020 field, she lamented, “I’m not sure many of these candidates are actually listening. They know they have to win, but they’re not really listening.”
Reported and written by Nate Cohn, Katie Glueck, Shane Goldmacher, Lisa Lerer.