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Democratic Debate Tonight: Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders Face Off Highlights From the March Democratic Debate
(32 minutes later)
The large field of Democrats is now down to only two major candidates: former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Because of concerns about the coronavirus, the debate was moved from Phoenix to Washington, D.C.The large field of Democrats is now down to only two major candidates: former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Because of concerns about the coronavirus, the debate was moved from Phoenix to Washington, D.C.
The moderators will be Dana Bash and Jake Tapper from CNN and Ilia Calderón from Univision. The hosts decided last week that the debate will take place without a studio audience. Follow our reporters’ real-time analysis here. The moderators were Dana Bash and Jake Tapper from CNN and Ilia Calderón from Univision. The hosts decided last week that the debate would take place without a studio audience. Follow our reporters’ real-time analysis here.
After Mr. Sanders gave his final remarks, answering a question about the candidates’ concerns for those affected by or dealing with the coronavirus, Mr. Biden gave his statement. Here is his full answer:
“Number one, as I said at the outset, I just can’t imagine what people are going through right now who have lost someone already. I can’t imagine what people are going through when they have a mom — for example a good friend of ours is sitting outside the window of a nursing home where her mom is because she can’t go in, trying to do sign language to her mom through the window to be able to talk to her.
I can’t imagine — I guess I can imagine the fear and concern people have. Number one, one of the things that I think we have to understand is that this is an all hands on deck. This is, as someone said, maybe it was you, Jake, at the outset, this is bigger than any individual. This is bigger than yourself. This is about America. This is about the world. This is about how we bring people together and make the kind of sacrifices we need to make to get this done.
And so first and foremost what we have to do is start to listen to the science again. As I said, what we did, we met — what I would be doing today, I would be sitting down in the Situation Room literally every day like we did at the outset of other crises we had when we were in the White House and pulling together the best people, not just in the United States but the world, to say what are the prescriptive moves we have to take now to lessen this virus, to beat it, to get to the point where we can save more lives, get more people tested, get more people the kind of care we need.
And what do we do beyond that to make sure that the economic impact on them is in fact rendered harmless, that we in fact make sure every paycheck is met, every paycheck that the people are going to miss, that we keep people in their homes, they don’t miss their mortgage payments, they don’t miss their rent payments. Making sure they’ll be able to take care of education, and by the way, the schools are closing down right now.
There’s so many things we have to do.
In addition to that, what we have to do is we have to have the best science in the world telling what can stay open and what need be closed. Like I said earlier, the idea we’re closing schools, which I understand, but not being able to provide lunches to people who need the school lunch program to get by.
The idea that we can close any place, I can understand the decision made to close places where 150 people or more gather. But how do you keep open the drugstore to make sure you can get your prescription? How do you deal with things that necessarily have to be kept going and what’s the way to do that? There should be a national standard for that. It should be coming out of the Situation Room right now.
By the way, the single most significant thing we can do to deal with the larger problem down the road of income inequality, is get rid of Donald Trump. Donald Trump has exacerbated every single one of these problems, both the immediate urgent need and how we’re going to hold people harmless for the damage done as a consequence of this virus. It’s important we do both.”
Both candidates were asked this final question: “Let’s return to the coronavirus, which does not discriminate based on ideology, it does not care if one is a Democrat, a Republican, a conservative, a moderate, a progressive. What’s your concern about those affected by or dealing with the coronavirus?”
Mr. Sanders spoke first. Here is his full answer:
“Our hearts go out to everyone. We need to move aggressively to make sure that every person in this country who has the virus, who thinks they have the virus, understands they’ll get all the health care that they need because they are Americans, that we move aggressively to make sure that the test kits are out there, that the ventilators are out there, that the I.C.U. units are out there, that the medical personnel are out there.
Jake, if I may also say, in this moment of economic uncertainty in addition to the coronavirus, it is time to ask how we get to where we are — not only our lack of preparation for the virus, but how we end up with an economy where so many of our people are hurting at a time of massive income and wealth inequality.
It’s time to ask the question of where the power is in America. Who owns the media? Who owns the economy? Who owns the legislative process? Why do we give tax breaks to billionaires and not raise the minimum wage? Where do we pump up the oil industry while a half million people are homeless in America?
This is a time to move aggressively, dealing with the coronavirus crisis, dealing with the economic fallout. But it is also time to rethink America and create a country where we care about each other rather than a nation of greed and corruption, which is what is taking place among the corporate elite.”
Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders were each asked about their demographic weaknesses now that about half the delegates for the Democratic nomination have been allocated: the lack of support among Latinos for Mr. Biden, and the poor numbers for Mr. Sanders among black voters so far.
Both sidestepped the question.
“Look, my message is resonating across the board,” Mr. Biden said, adding, “Why am I winning all those places? What’s the reason? The reason is because they know I am a Democrat with a capital D.”
He noted that turnout had spiked in places like Virginia that Mr. Biden had won.
“He didn’t bring them out,” Mr. Biden said of Mr. Sanders. “I brought them out.”
“They are coming out for me,” he went on, “I didn’t even have the money to compete with this man in those states. I virtually had no money.”
Mr. Sanders focused on Mr. Biden’s need to pull in the senator’s political coalition of younger voters and Latinos if he wants to beat President Trump.
“You are going to have to bring young people who are not great voters, they don’t vote in the kinds of numbers they should into the political process. You’re going to have to bring Latinos, who are great people that we need, but also don’t vote in the numbers we need. I have my doubts that Biden’s campaign can generate that energy and excitement and voter turnout,” Mr. Sanders said.
After Mr. Biden lashed Mr. Sanders’s remarks over the years about authoritarian regimes, Mr. Sanders raised Mr. Biden’s vote to authorize the war in Iraq and then mounted a broad critique of Mr. Biden’s voting record in the Senate — a theme of the night.After Mr. Biden lashed Mr. Sanders’s remarks over the years about authoritarian regimes, Mr. Sanders raised Mr. Biden’s vote to authorize the war in Iraq and then mounted a broad critique of Mr. Biden’s voting record in the Senate — a theme of the night.
“Everybody in the world knew that when you voted for that resolution, you were giving Bush the authority to go to war,” said Mr. Sanders, who voted against the 2002 congressional authorization of military force in Iraq. “Most people who followed that issue closely understood that the Bush administration was lying through its teeth with regard to Saddam Hussein having weapons of mass destruction.”“Everybody in the world knew that when you voted for that resolution, you were giving Bush the authority to go to war,” said Mr. Sanders, who voted against the 2002 congressional authorization of military force in Iraq. “Most people who followed that issue closely understood that the Bush administration was lying through its teeth with regard to Saddam Hussein having weapons of mass destruction.”
Mr. Biden has called that vote a mistake but has sometimes spoken inaccurately about how quickly he came to regret that vote.Mr. Biden has called that vote a mistake but has sometimes spoken inaccurately about how quickly he came to regret that vote.
“The issue is not just the war in Iraq,” Mr. Sanders said, launching into a broader critique of Mr. Biden’s record. “That was a long time ago. The issue is the trade agreement. It wasn’t so easy to lead the effort against disastrous trade agreements. The issue was the bankruptcy bill that you supported. The issue was the Defense of Marriage Act. The issue is whether or not in difficult times, God knows these are difficult times, we’re going to have the courage to take on powerful special interests and do what’s right for working families in this country.”“The issue is not just the war in Iraq,” Mr. Sanders said, launching into a broader critique of Mr. Biden’s record. “That was a long time ago. The issue is the trade agreement. It wasn’t so easy to lead the effort against disastrous trade agreements. The issue was the bankruptcy bill that you supported. The issue was the Defense of Marriage Act. The issue is whether or not in difficult times, God knows these are difficult times, we’re going to have the courage to take on powerful special interests and do what’s right for working families in this country.”
Mr. Biden, a former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, repeatedly questioned Mr. Sanders’s judgment on international affairs just days before the Florida primary, a state with a large immigrant population where foreign policy often hits close to home.Mr. Biden, a former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, repeatedly questioned Mr. Sanders’s judgment on international affairs just days before the Florida primary, a state with a large immigrant population where foreign policy often hits close to home.
”I’m prepared to compare my foreign policy credentials up against my friend here on any day of the week, every day of the week,” Mr. Biden said.”I’m prepared to compare my foreign policy credentials up against my friend here on any day of the week, every day of the week,” Mr. Biden said.
Mr. Sanders said he opposes dictatorships abroad but also acknowledged that some authoritarian governments have done some good.Mr. Sanders said he opposes dictatorships abroad but also acknowledged that some authoritarian governments have done some good.
“I have opposed authoritarianism when it’s in Cuba, Saudi Arabia, China or whether it is in Russia. That is my life record,” he said. “China is undoubtedly an authoritarian society. But would anybody deny, any economist deny that extreme poverty today is less than what it was 40 or 50 years ago than today?”“I have opposed authoritarianism when it’s in Cuba, Saudi Arabia, China or whether it is in Russia. That is my life record,” he said. “China is undoubtedly an authoritarian society. But would anybody deny, any economist deny that extreme poverty today is less than what it was 40 or 50 years ago than today?”
He added: “We condemn authoritarianism wherever it is. But to simply say that nothing ever done by any of those administrations had a positive impact on their people, would I think be incorrect.”He added: “We condemn authoritarianism wherever it is. But to simply say that nothing ever done by any of those administrations had a positive impact on their people, would I think be incorrect.”
Mr. Sanders tried comparing himself to President Barack Obama, who praised Cuba’s ruling Castro brothers when he sought to formalize diplomatic relationships between the two rivals.Mr. Sanders tried comparing himself to President Barack Obama, who praised Cuba’s ruling Castro brothers when he sought to formalize diplomatic relationships between the two rivals.
Mr. Biden said Mr. Obama’s remarks were not praise but an effort to liberalize Cuba’s government.Mr. Biden said Mr. Obama’s remarks were not praise but an effort to liberalize Cuba’s government.
“He was trying to change Cuban policy so the people would get out of the thumb of Castro and his brother,” Mr. Biden said. “That is to change the policy to impact on Cuba’s policy by getting them opened up. That was what that was about.”“He was trying to change Cuban policy so the people would get out of the thumb of Castro and his brother,” Mr. Biden said. “That is to change the policy to impact on Cuba’s policy by getting them opened up. That was what that was about.”
Mr. Biden sought to portray Mr. Sanders as a friend to obsolete communist governments in Central America and the former Soviet Union — a way of attacking his democratic socialist identity without doing so explicitly.Mr. Biden sought to portray Mr. Sanders as a friend to obsolete communist governments in Central America and the former Soviet Union — a way of attacking his democratic socialist identity without doing so explicitly.
“Bernie’s notion about how he embraces folks like Cuba and the former Soviet Union and talks about the good things they did in China, it’s contrary to every message we want to send,” Mr. Biden said.“Bernie’s notion about how he embraces folks like Cuba and the former Soviet Union and talks about the good things they did in China, it’s contrary to every message we want to send,” Mr. Biden said.
Mr. Sanders spoke of climate change in stark terms, warning about the dire consequences outlined by scientists “if we don’t get our act together in the next seven or eight years.”Mr. Sanders spoke of climate change in stark terms, warning about the dire consequences outlined by scientists “if we don’t get our act together in the next seven or eight years.”
“I want to hear Joe’s position on this, this is not a middle of the ground thing. This is not building a few more solar panels or a few more wind turbines,” Mr. Sanders said, calling it “insane we could even have fracking in America.”“I want to hear Joe’s position on this, this is not a middle of the ground thing. This is not building a few more solar panels or a few more wind turbines,” Mr. Sanders said, calling it “insane we could even have fracking in America.”
Mr. Biden defended his plan as sufficiently ambitious, noting that national security experts in the Obama administration had called it the “single greatest threat.”Mr. Biden defended his plan as sufficiently ambitious, noting that national security experts in the Obama administration had called it the “single greatest threat.”
“It causes war,” Mr. Biden said of climate change.“It causes war,” Mr. Biden said of climate change.
“Yes it is ambitious enough to tackle the crisis,” Mr. Biden said of his plan, which is smaller in scope than what Mr. Sanders has proposed.“Yes it is ambitious enough to tackle the crisis,” Mr. Biden said of his plan, which is smaller in scope than what Mr. Sanders has proposed.
“Nowhere near enough,” Mr. Sanders said when his turn came again.“Nowhere near enough,” Mr. Sanders said when his turn came again.
After Mr. Biden noted he would re-enter the Paris climate agreement, Mr. Sanders was outright dismissive.After Mr. Biden noted he would re-enter the Paris climate agreement, Mr. Sanders was outright dismissive.
“It’s not a question of re-entering the Paris accord. That’s fine. Who cares. Not a big deal. The deal right now is do we have the courage?” he said.“It’s not a question of re-entering the Paris accord. That’s fine. Who cares. Not a big deal. The deal right now is do we have the courage?” he said.
Mr. Biden noted that the deal is international and would bring the resources of the full world to bear. When Mr. Sanders called the accord only “useful,” Mr. Biden scoffed.Mr. Biden noted that the deal is international and would bring the resources of the full world to bear. When Mr. Sanders called the accord only “useful,” Mr. Biden scoffed.
“If you’re laughing Joe, then you’re missing the point,” Mr. Sanders snapped.“If you’re laughing Joe, then you’re missing the point,” Mr. Sanders snapped.
Both Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders said they would halt deportations of almost all undocumented immigrants, with Mr. Biden saying that he would only seek to remove those who have been convicted of felonies.Both Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders said they would halt deportations of almost all undocumented immigrants, with Mr. Biden saying that he would only seek to remove those who have been convicted of felonies.
Mr. Biden, reminded that he opposed the idea of sanctuary cities during his 2008 presidential campaign, was asked if he would remove undocumented immigrants as president now.Mr. Biden, reminded that he opposed the idea of sanctuary cities during his 2008 presidential campaign, was asked if he would remove undocumented immigrants as president now.
“No,” he said, adding no more to his response.“No,” he said, adding no more to his response.
Mr. Sanders said he would not either.Mr. Sanders said he would not either.
“Of course not,” he said. “One of the things that goes on when you have that process, is that not only the psychological terror, I have talked to these kids. Kids are scared to death when they come from school, their mom or dad may not be there.”“Of course not,” he said. “One of the things that goes on when you have that process, is that not only the psychological terror, I have talked to these kids. Kids are scared to death when they come from school, their mom or dad may not be there.”
Mr. Sanders, in a rare foray into his personal life, told the story of his father, who came to New York from Poland as a teenager.Mr. Sanders, in a rare foray into his personal life, told the story of his father, who came to New York from Poland as a teenager.
“I’m the son of an immigrant,” he said. “This is a country significantly built by immigrants labor, built by slave labor.”“I’m the son of an immigrant,” he said. “This is a country significantly built by immigrants labor, built by slave labor.”
Mr. Biden said the country depends on its ability to integrate millions of Latinos into American society.Mr. Biden said the country depends on its ability to integrate millions of Latinos into American society.
“Our future rests upon the Latino community being fully integrated,” he said. “We should be embracing, bringing them in. Just like what happened with the Irish migrants after the famine. With the Italians. We have been through this before. Xenophobia is a disease.”“Our future rests upon the Latino community being fully integrated,” he said. “We should be embracing, bringing them in. Just like what happened with the Irish migrants after the famine. With the Italians. We have been through this before. Xenophobia is a disease.”
Mr. Biden said for the first time that he would choose a woman to be his running mate.Mr. Biden said for the first time that he would choose a woman to be his running mate.
“I commit that I will, in fact, appoint a woman to be vice president,” Mr. Biden said. “There are a number of women qualified to be president tomorrow.”“I commit that I will, in fact, appoint a woman to be vice president,” Mr. Biden said. “There are a number of women qualified to be president tomorrow.”
Mr. Biden has previously expressed openness to naming a female running mate, but has resisted making specific commitments beyond saying that he would need to be philosophically “simpatico” with his possible vice president.Mr. Biden has previously expressed openness to naming a female running mate, but has resisted making specific commitments beyond saying that he would need to be philosophically “simpatico” with his possible vice president.
The 77-year-old Mr. Biden has spoken at length about his criteria for a running mate during appearances on the campaign trail, saying that he would select someone who is younger than he is, and indicating that he values experience in a possible vice president.The 77-year-old Mr. Biden has spoken at length about his criteria for a running mate during appearances on the campaign trail, saying that he would select someone who is younger than he is, and indicating that he values experience in a possible vice president.
He has expressed openness to several of his former rivals, including Senators Amy Klobuchar, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, as well as nodding to Democrats who did not run for president, from Stacey Abrams of Georgia to Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and others.He has expressed openness to several of his former rivals, including Senators Amy Klobuchar, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, as well as nodding to Democrats who did not run for president, from Stacey Abrams of Georgia to Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and others.
Mr. Biden had previously committed, during the debate in South Carolina last month, to name a black woman to the Supreme Court, but this is the first time he has explicitly said his running mate would be a woman. Party officials and activists, as well as many voters at Biden events, have made clear their interest in seeing Mr. Biden pick a female running mate.Mr. Biden had previously committed, during the debate in South Carolina last month, to name a black woman to the Supreme Court, but this is the first time he has explicitly said his running mate would be a woman. Party officials and activists, as well as many voters at Biden events, have made clear their interest in seeing Mr. Biden pick a female running mate.
When asked, Mr. Sanders did not fully commit to naming a woman to the Democratic ticket.When asked, Mr. Sanders did not fully commit to naming a woman to the Democratic ticket.
“In all likelihood, I will,” he said.“In all likelihood, I will,” he said.
Mr. Biden, who has been making policy overtures to try to appeal to Mr. Sanders’s supporters and other liberals in recent days, made a halting effort to do so again from the stage on Sunday.Mr. Biden, who has been making policy overtures to try to appeal to Mr. Sanders’s supporters and other liberals in recent days, made a halting effort to do so again from the stage on Sunday.
“He’s making it hard for me right now,” Mr. Biden said of Mr. Sanders. “I was trying to give him credit for things and he won’t even take credit for things he wants to do.”“He’s making it hard for me right now,” Mr. Biden said of Mr. Sanders. “I was trying to give him credit for things and he won’t even take credit for things he wants to do.”
Still, he emphasized substantial areas of common ground and the need for the Democratic Party to have a united front against Mr. Trump in November.Still, he emphasized substantial areas of common ground and the need for the Democratic Party to have a united front against Mr. Trump in November.
“If Bernie is the nominee, I will not only support him, I will campaign for him,” Mr. Biden said. He added, “I would hope that Bernie would do the same if I’m the nominee and encourage all of his followers to in fact support me as well.”“If Bernie is the nominee, I will not only support him, I will campaign for him,” Mr. Biden said. He added, “I would hope that Bernie would do the same if I’m the nominee and encourage all of his followers to in fact support me as well.”
Mr. Sanders stressed his own commitment to party unity around the eventual nominee.Mr. Sanders stressed his own commitment to party unity around the eventual nominee.
“I hope to win the nomination, but if I don’t win the nomination, I and I think every over Democratic candidate is prepared to come together to do everything humanly possible to defeat Donald Trump,” he said. “I hope to win the nomination, but if I don’t win the nomination, I, and I think every other Democratic candidate, is prepared to come together to do everything humanly possible to defeat Donald Trump,” he said.
After Mr. Biden made some concessions to the liberal wing of the party in recent days, Mr. Sanders was unsatisfied and laced into Mr. Biden’s past record in the Senate — which was at odds with some of his new stances — and cast his own set of unbending principles a preferred model of “leadership.”After Mr. Biden made some concessions to the liberal wing of the party in recent days, Mr. Sanders was unsatisfied and laced into Mr. Biden’s past record in the Senate — which was at odds with some of his new stances — and cast his own set of unbending principles a preferred model of “leadership.”
“I don’t have to rethink my position,” Mr. Sanders said sternly. “That’s what leadership is.”“I don’t have to rethink my position,” Mr. Sanders said sternly. “That’s what leadership is.”
In a furious few moments, Mr. Sanders ticked off a series of votes that he said Mr. Biden was on the wrong side of history, dating back decades.In a furious few moments, Mr. Sanders ticked off a series of votes that he said Mr. Biden was on the wrong side of history, dating back decades.
“I voted against the bankruptcy bill, you voted for it. I voted against the war in Iraq, which was also a tough vote. You voted for it. I voted against the disastrous trade agreements like NAFTA, which cost this country over four million good-paying jobs. You voted for it. I voted against the Hyde amendment, which denies low income women the right to get an abortion. You have consistently voted for it. I don’t know what your position is today,” Mr. Sanders said.“I voted against the bankruptcy bill, you voted for it. I voted against the war in Iraq, which was also a tough vote. You voted for it. I voted against the disastrous trade agreements like NAFTA, which cost this country over four million good-paying jobs. You voted for it. I voted against the Hyde amendment, which denies low income women the right to get an abortion. You have consistently voted for it. I don’t know what your position is today,” Mr. Sanders said.
With that exchange, the hope that many Democratic strategists had — after a conciliatory speech earlier this week from Mr. Sanders — vanished. Mr. Biden hit back on Mr. Sanders guns.With that exchange, the hope that many Democratic strategists had — after a conciliatory speech earlier this week from Mr. Sanders — vanished. Mr. Biden hit back on Mr. Sanders guns.
“You can argue about the past,” Mr. Biden said. “This man voted against the Brady bill five times. Background checks. Five times. Number one. Number two, this man is the only one of the few Democrats I know who voted to exempt the gun industry from being able to be sued.”“You can argue about the past,” Mr. Biden said. “This man voted against the Brady bill five times. Background checks. Five times. Number one. Number two, this man is the only one of the few Democrats I know who voted to exempt the gun industry from being able to be sued.”
But moments later, Mr. Biden paused and seemed almost taken aback by the aggression of Mr. Sanders.But moments later, Mr. Biden paused and seemed almost taken aback by the aggression of Mr. Sanders.
“He’s making it hard for me right now. I was trying to give him credit for things and he won’t even take credit for things he wants to do,” Mr. Biden said.“He’s making it hard for me right now. I was trying to give him credit for things and he won’t even take credit for things he wants to do,” Mr. Biden said.
Mr. Sanders made his sharpest attacks at Mr. Biden’s five-decade record in Washington, laying out the progressive case against the former vice president in one soundbite that has for weeks been a staple of his stump speech.
“I voted against the bankruptcy bill, you voted for it,” Mr. Sanders said. “I voted against the war in Iraq, which was also a tough vote. You voted for it. I voted against the disastrous trade agreements like NAFTA, which cost this country over four million good-paying jobs. You voted for it. I voted against the Hyde amendment, which denies low-income women the right to get an abortion. You have consistently voted for it. I don’t know what your position is today.”
Mr. Biden retorted with the one critique in which he can be to the left of Mr. Sanders: gun control.
“This man voted against the Brady Bill five times,” Mr. Biden said, referring to the 1994 legislation he helped author that required federal background checks for commercial gun purchases. “Background checks. Five times. Number one. Number two, this man is the only one of the few Democrats I know who voted to exempt the gun industry from being able to be sued. Talk about a special, special interest.”
In the last two days, why did Mr. Biden adopt Senator Elizabeth Warren’s bankruptcy reform proposal and introduce a plan for free college tuition for families who earn less than $125,000?In the last two days, why did Mr. Biden adopt Senator Elizabeth Warren’s bankruptcy reform proposal and introduce a plan for free college tuition for families who earn less than $125,000?
To Mr. Biden, it was just because those ideas make sense, not because he is running to the political left to appeal to Sanders supporters.To Mr. Biden, it was just because those ideas make sense, not because he is running to the political left to appeal to Sanders supporters.
“I talked with Senator Warren about her proposal,” Mr. Biden said. “This is the first opportunity we have had to make substantial change in what we couldn’t get done. I supported her proposal. She should get credit for having introduced it.”“I talked with Senator Warren about her proposal,” Mr. Biden said. “This is the first opportunity we have had to make substantial change in what we couldn’t get done. I supported her proposal. She should get credit for having introduced it.”
Mr. Sanders shot back that Mr. Biden wouldn’t need to fix bankruptcy laws if he hadn’t been a part of writing the 2005 law he now seeks to reform.Mr. Sanders shot back that Mr. Biden wouldn’t need to fix bankruptcy laws if he hadn’t been a part of writing the 2005 law he now seeks to reform.
“Look, this is a little bit about leadership as well,” Mr. Sanders said. “Joe talked about bankruptcy. Joe, you helped write that bankruptcy bill.”“Look, this is a little bit about leadership as well,” Mr. Sanders said. “Joe talked about bankruptcy. Joe, you helped write that bankruptcy bill.”
Mr. Sanders said he has no need to alter positions he took 15 years ago.Mr. Sanders said he has no need to alter positions he took 15 years ago.
“I don’t have to rethink my position,” Mr. Sanders said. “That’s what leadership is. Having the guts to take an unpopular vote. That’s what leadership is. Having the guts to take an unpopular vote”“I don’t have to rethink my position,” Mr. Sanders said. “That’s what leadership is. Having the guts to take an unpopular vote. That’s what leadership is. Having the guts to take an unpopular vote”
Mr. Sanders and Mr. Biden tangled in their sharpest exchange to date of the evening over Social Security, with Mr. Sanders suggesting that Mr. Biden was being misleading about his record on the issue.Mr. Sanders and Mr. Biden tangled in their sharpest exchange to date of the evening over Social Security, with Mr. Sanders suggesting that Mr. Biden was being misleading about his record on the issue.
“Why don’t you tell the truth,” Mr. Sanders said, repeatedly pressing him, courtroom-style, over past remarks he made about possible freezes to the program. “We all make mistakes.”“Why don’t you tell the truth,” Mr. Sanders said, repeatedly pressing him, courtroom-style, over past remarks he made about possible freezes to the program. “We all make mistakes.”
Mr. Biden said flatly that he had “never voted to cut Social Security.Mr. Biden said flatly that he had “never voted to cut Social Security.
“I voted to protect it,” he said.“I voted to protect it,” he said.
For the first 40 minutes of the debate it was the most polite of the 2020 campaign. Both Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders appeared far more focused on addressing the coronavirus pandemic than each other. They were not even going after President Trump, the man each of them aims to replace.For the first 40 minutes of the debate it was the most polite of the 2020 campaign. Both Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders appeared far more focused on addressing the coronavirus pandemic than each other. They were not even going after President Trump, the man each of them aims to replace.
But it couldn’t last.But it couldn’t last.
Mr. Biden got asked why, as he stated earlier, Americans in the midst of a national pandemic aren’t interested in the political revolution promised by Mr. Sanders.Mr. Biden got asked why, as he stated earlier, Americans in the midst of a national pandemic aren’t interested in the political revolution promised by Mr. Sanders.
“We have problems we have to solve now. Now,” Mr. Biden said. “What’s the revolution going to do? Disrupt everything in the meantime?”“We have problems we have to solve now. Now,” Mr. Biden said. “What’s the revolution going to do? Disrupt everything in the meantime?”
Mr. Sanders responded by attacking the entire American political, health care and capitalist systems, before pivoting to whacking Mr. Biden for benefiting a super PAC.Mr. Sanders responded by attacking the entire American political, health care and capitalist systems, before pivoting to whacking Mr. Biden for benefiting a super PAC.
“I won’t give you a break on this one,” Mr. Sanders said. “You condemn super PACs. A super PAC is running negative ads.”“I won’t give you a break on this one,” Mr. Sanders said. “You condemn super PACs. A super PAC is running negative ads.”
Mr. Biden shot back.Mr. Biden shot back.
“Speaking of negative ads, my lord Bernie, you’re running an ad saying I’m opposed to social security. It’s a flat lie,” Mr. Biden said.“Speaking of negative ads, my lord Bernie, you’re running an ad saying I’m opposed to social security. It’s a flat lie,” Mr. Biden said.
Asked about what steps Mr. Biden, 77, and Mr. Sanders, 78, were taking to avoid contracting coronavirus, they touted their canceled events, heavy use of hand sanitizer and regular hand washing — not to mention their intentional lack of a handshake at the start of the debate.Asked about what steps Mr. Biden, 77, and Mr. Sanders, 78, were taking to avoid contracting coronavirus, they touted their canceled events, heavy use of hand sanitizer and regular hand washing — not to mention their intentional lack of a handshake at the start of the debate.
“I am using a lot of soap and hand sanitizers,” Mr. Sanders said.“I am using a lot of soap and hand sanitizers,” Mr. Sanders said.
“I wash my hands I don’t know how many times a day with hot water and soap,” Mr. Biden said. They were not making light. Mr. Biden noted he tries not to touch his face. Mr. Sanders said his campaign staff are now working from home.“I wash my hands I don’t know how many times a day with hot water and soap,” Mr. Biden said. They were not making light. Mr. Biden noted he tries not to touch his face. Mr. Sanders said his campaign staff are now working from home.
The introduction to the question, which was posed to Mr. Sanders, included that he had had a heart attack last October. Mr. Biden began his answer by noting, “Fortunately, I don’t have any of the underlying conditions” that had been previously mentioned.The introduction to the question, which was posed to Mr. Sanders, included that he had had a heart attack last October. Mr. Biden began his answer by noting, “Fortunately, I don’t have any of the underlying conditions” that had been previously mentioned.
Mr. Biden broke some news from the debate stage, saying he had raised $33 million so far this month — by far the biggest sum of the campaign for him.Mr. Biden broke some news from the debate stage, saying he had raised $33 million so far this month — by far the biggest sum of the campaign for him.
Mr. Biden said that undocumented immigrants should not, “under any circumstances,” be punished for seeking medical treatment amid the coronavirus crisis.Mr. Biden said that undocumented immigrants should not, “under any circumstances,” be punished for seeking medical treatment amid the coronavirus crisis.
“Anyone who shows up to be tested for coronavirus or gets coronavirus” would “be held harmless,” Mr. Biden said, going on to add, “There are certain things you cannot deport an undocumented alien — an undocumented person for.”“Anyone who shows up to be tested for coronavirus or gets coronavirus” would “be held harmless,” Mr. Biden said, going on to add, “There are certain things you cannot deport an undocumented alien — an undocumented person for.”
Mr. Biden said for even the “xenophobic” people in the country “it’s even in their interest” for undocumented people to seek proper medical care.Mr. Biden said for even the “xenophobic” people in the country “it’s even in their interest” for undocumented people to seek proper medical care.
It is one of the fundamental divides between Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders.It is one of the fundamental divides between Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders.
The former vice president believes that once President Trump is defeated and gone from office, the nation can restore a state of normalcy. The Vermont senator believes that Mr. Trump’s exit is one of the first steps of a political revolution.The former vice president believes that once President Trump is defeated and gone from office, the nation can restore a state of normalcy. The Vermont senator believes that Mr. Trump’s exit is one of the first steps of a political revolution.
That split was on vivid display in Sunday’s debate as the two Democrats disagreed over how they would handle the exploding coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Sanders used the moment to pitch the need for his systemic overhaul of health care and implementation of a government-run “Medicare for all” system. Mr. Biden was almost singularly focused on the immediate crisis at hand.That split was on vivid display in Sunday’s debate as the two Democrats disagreed over how they would handle the exploding coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Sanders used the moment to pitch the need for his systemic overhaul of health care and implementation of a government-run “Medicare for all” system. Mr. Biden was almost singularly focused on the immediate crisis at hand.
“People are looking for results,” Mr. Biden said. “Not a revolution.”“People are looking for results,” Mr. Biden said. “Not a revolution.”
But over and over in the early going, Mr. Sanders tried to pan out beyond the immediate national emergency. He mentioned that America spends vastly more than other countries on health care and yet is more vulnerable now.But over and over in the early going, Mr. Sanders tried to pan out beyond the immediate national emergency. He mentioned that America spends vastly more than other countries on health care and yet is more vulnerable now.
“How in God’s name does it happen?” Mr. Sanders said. The answer, he offered, is a systemic failure that Medicare for all would solve.“How in God’s name does it happen?” Mr. Sanders said. The answer, he offered, is a systemic failure that Medicare for all would solve.
“It goes without saying that as a nation we have to respond as forcefully as we can to the current crisis. But it is not good enough not to be understanding how we got here and where we want to go into the future,” Mr. Sanders said.“It goes without saying that as a nation we have to respond as forcefully as we can to the current crisis. But it is not good enough not to be understanding how we got here and where we want to go into the future,” Mr. Sanders said.
At one point, Mr. Sanders took a show at Mr. Biden and who was financing his campaign. “The trick is, do we have the guts to take on the health care industry, some of which is funding the vice president’s campaign,” he said.At one point, Mr. Sanders took a show at Mr. Biden and who was financing his campaign. “The trick is, do we have the guts to take on the health care industry, some of which is funding the vice president’s campaign,” he said.
Mr. Biden tried to move past the slight.Mr. Biden tried to move past the slight.
“I don’t want to get into a back and forth about our politics here,” Mr. Biden said.“I don’t want to get into a back and forth about our politics here,” Mr. Biden said.
Mr. Biden said the country will need a financial bailout to rescue its major industries as the economy contracts during the coronavirus fallout, but said Trump administration policy will make doing one more difficult.Mr. Biden said the country will need a financial bailout to rescue its major industries as the economy contracts during the coronavirus fallout, but said Trump administration policy will make doing one more difficult.
“What I would do is make it clear to the world and make it clear to the United States that we are going to have to have a major, major, major bailout package that we do not reward corporations. We reward individuals who in fact are reel put to the test here.”“What I would do is make it clear to the world and make it clear to the United States that we are going to have to have a major, major, major bailout package that we do not reward corporations. We reward individuals who in fact are reel put to the test here.”
But Mr. Biden then made an agriculture reference: “The problem is the policies in this administration economically have eaten a lot of our seed corn here,” he said.But Mr. Biden then made an agriculture reference: “The problem is the policies in this administration economically have eaten a lot of our seed corn here,” he said.
Aware of how unpopular the 2008 Wall Street bailout remains — and that Mr. Sanders voted against it — Mr. Biden sought to explain how a bailout would help middle class people.Aware of how unpopular the 2008 Wall Street bailout remains — and that Mr. Sanders voted against it — Mr. Biden sought to explain how a bailout would help middle class people.
“We’re going to have to not only deal with the immediate crisis, which is the most critical now to let people know their mortgage is going to be paid,” he said. “Their rents are going to be paid. They are going to have child care. They are going to make sure all the medical bills are cared for relating to this. We have to go beyond that.”“We’re going to have to not only deal with the immediate crisis, which is the most critical now to let people know their mortgage is going to be paid,” he said. “Their rents are going to be paid. They are going to have child care. They are going to make sure all the medical bills are cared for relating to this. We have to go beyond that.”
Mr. Sanders reiterated his opposition to the 2008 bailout and explained why he voted against it.Mr. Sanders reiterated his opposition to the 2008 bailout and explained why he voted against it.
“I said this to the secretary of the Treasury,” he said. “‘You want a bailout, that’s fine. Have your friends pay for it. Not working people.’”“I said this to the secretary of the Treasury,” he said. “‘You want a bailout, that’s fine. Have your friends pay for it. Not working people.’”
Mr. Biden then made a rare admission of a point in which he disagreed with Obama administration policy.Mr. Biden then made a rare admission of a point in which he disagreed with Obama administration policy.
“I agree with Bernie,” he said. “Someone should have gone to jail. That was the big disagreement I had.”“I agree with Bernie,” he said. “Someone should have gone to jail. That was the big disagreement I had.”
Both candidates said they would use the United States military to help the nation deal with the coronavirus pandemic.Both candidates said they would use the United States military to help the nation deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
“I would call up the military now,” Mr. Biden said. “They have the capacity to provide the surge help that hospitals need and is needed across the nation.”“I would call up the military now,” Mr. Biden said. “They have the capacity to provide the surge help that hospitals need and is needed across the nation.”
Mr. Sanders was slightly less direct but agreed.Mr. Sanders was slightly less direct but agreed.
“Using the National Guard is clearly something that needs to be done,” Mr. Sanders said, before pivoting to a plea to help workers, like those in restaurants, who will lose work or pay because of the forthcoming coronavirus-related economic slowdown.“Using the National Guard is clearly something that needs to be done,” Mr. Sanders said, before pivoting to a plea to help workers, like those in restaurants, who will lose work or pay because of the forthcoming coronavirus-related economic slowdown.
Mr. Sanders, a vocal critic of gaps in the American health care system and an advocate of a sweeping “Medicare for all” single-payer program, said the coronavirus pandemic underscored the problems of the current system.Mr. Sanders, a vocal critic of gaps in the American health care system and an advocate of a sweeping “Medicare for all” single-payer program, said the coronavirus pandemic underscored the problems of the current system.
“In the midst of this epidemic, you have people in the pharmaceutical industry saying, wow, what an opportunity to make a fortune,” he said. “So the word has got to go out. I certainly would do this as president. You don’t worry. People of America, do not worry about the cost of prescription drugs.”“In the midst of this epidemic, you have people in the pharmaceutical industry saying, wow, what an opportunity to make a fortune,” he said. “So the word has got to go out. I certainly would do this as president. You don’t worry. People of America, do not worry about the cost of prescription drugs.”
But Mr. Biden noted that a government-run health care system had not helped in Italy, where the outbreak has been particularly severe and has overrun the health care system.But Mr. Biden noted that a government-run health care system had not helped in Italy, where the outbreak has been particularly severe and has overrun the health care system.
“That would not solve the problem at all,” Mr. Biden said of Medicare for all, arguing that the issue at hand is the virus, not insurance co-pays.“That would not solve the problem at all,” Mr. Biden said of Medicare for all, arguing that the issue at hand is the virus, not insurance co-pays.
Mr. Sanders, who argued that without Medicare for all Americans wouldn’t receive comprehensive care, also leveled a mild criticism of Mr. Biden’s campaign, adding, “the trick is, do we have the guts to take on the health care industry, some of which is funding the vice president’s campaign. Do we have the courage to take on the executives at the prescription drug industry. Some of whom are funding his campaign.”Mr. Sanders, who argued that without Medicare for all Americans wouldn’t receive comprehensive care, also leveled a mild criticism of Mr. Biden’s campaign, adding, “the trick is, do we have the guts to take on the health care industry, some of which is funding the vice president’s campaign. Do we have the courage to take on the executives at the prescription drug industry. Some of whom are funding his campaign.”
Mr. Biden made clear he didn’t want to get into a sharper clash: “I don’t want to get into a back and forth about our politics here.” He reiterated that his plan accounts for the national emergency posed by the coronavirus, and throughout the exchange, cited a plan he has rolled out to address the crisis.Mr. Biden made clear he didn’t want to get into a sharper clash: “I don’t want to get into a back and forth about our politics here.” He reiterated that his plan accounts for the national emergency posed by the coronavirus, and throughout the exchange, cited a plan he has rolled out to address the crisis.
“Nobody will pay for anything having to do with the crisis,” he said at another point in the exchange. “This is a national emergency. This isn’t a question of whether or not this is something that could be covered by insurance or anything else. We out of the treasury are going to pay for this. It’s a national emergency. That’s what my plan calls for.”“Nobody will pay for anything having to do with the crisis,” he said at another point in the exchange. “This is a national emergency. This isn’t a question of whether or not this is something that could be covered by insurance or anything else. We out of the treasury are going to pay for this. It’s a national emergency. That’s what my plan calls for.”
Mr. Biden declined to directly answer a question of whether he was in favor of an immediate national quarantine.Mr. Biden declined to directly answer a question of whether he was in favor of an immediate national quarantine.
He said he would prefer to gather experts in the White House Situation Room to decide a course of action.He said he would prefer to gather experts in the White House Situation Room to decide a course of action.
The question was not immediately addressed to Mr. Sanders.The question was not immediately addressed to Mr. Sanders.
Jake Tapper, one of the CNN moderators, teed up Mr. Biden to attack President Trump for claiming on Friday that he doesn’t take responsibility for the pandemic in America, and Mr. Biden passed.Jake Tapper, one of the CNN moderators, teed up Mr. Biden to attack President Trump for claiming on Friday that he doesn’t take responsibility for the pandemic in America, and Mr. Biden passed.
Instead he pivoted to offering solutions.Instead he pivoted to offering solutions.
“The present system cannot handle the surge that is likely to come,” Mr. Biden said. “We should be planning where we are going to put these temporary hospitals.”“The present system cannot handle the surge that is likely to come,” Mr. Biden said. “We should be planning where we are going to put these temporary hospitals.”
Mr. Sanders, when it was his turn, took a shot at America’s for-profit health care system and did not criticize Mr. Trump or Mr. Biden.Mr. Sanders, when it was his turn, took a shot at America’s for-profit health care system and did not criticize Mr. Trump or Mr. Biden.
“Let’s be honest and understand that this coronavirus pandemic exposes the incredible weakness and dysfunctionality of our current health care system,” Mr. Sanders said.“Let’s be honest and understand that this coronavirus pandemic exposes the incredible weakness and dysfunctionality of our current health care system,” Mr. Sanders said.
The debate began on the topic dominating the headlines and the world: the coronavirus.The debate began on the topic dominating the headlines and the world: the coronavirus.
Mr. Biden spoke first and called the crisis “bigger than any one of us” and called for a “national rallying” as he outlined the steps he would take, including economic and health care steps he would take to mitigate the crisis.Mr. Biden spoke first and called the crisis “bigger than any one of us” and called for a “national rallying” as he outlined the steps he would take, including economic and health care steps he would take to mitigate the crisis.
Mr. Sanders addressed Mr. Trump immediately, accusing him of “blabbering” and confusing the public.Mr. Sanders addressed Mr. Trump immediately, accusing him of “blabbering” and confusing the public.
“Firstly, whether or not I’m president, we have to shut this president up right now,” Mr. Sanders said. He called it an “unprecedented moment” in the country and mentioned his support for “Medicare for all” but was more focused on the immediate crisis.“Firstly, whether or not I’m president, we have to shut this president up right now,” Mr. Sanders said. He called it an “unprecedented moment” in the country and mentioned his support for “Medicare for all” but was more focused on the immediate crisis.
Mr. Biden and then Mr. Sanders have taken the stage in the CNN debate studio, and they quickly answered one question looming over the debate: In this moment of social distancing, would they shake hands?Mr. Biden and then Mr. Sanders have taken the stage in the CNN debate studio, and they quickly answered one question looming over the debate: In this moment of social distancing, would they shake hands?
Of course not.Of course not.
Instead, Mr. Biden lifted his left elbow and moved toward Mr. Sanders, who bumped his rival with his right elbow.Instead, Mr. Biden lifted his left elbow and moved toward Mr. Sanders, who bumped his rival with his right elbow.
They are now at their lecterns — six feet apart.They are now at their lecterns — six feet apart.