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| Joe Biden |
Vice
President Joe Biden fired back at attackers and clearly illustrated the
differences in his campaign and the other Democratic candidates for president. The starkest difference is his campaign is
focused on reality and not rhetoric.
Biden’s
position to build on The Affordable Care Act passed under President Obama came
across much more reasonable and less costly for taxpayers than the universal
healthcare proposals put forward by Sen. Sanders and Warren.
On
foreign policy, Biden also demonstrated his vast knowledge and experience over
any of the other Democratic candidates.
Senator
Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), when called on, was clear and succinct and chose not
to attack Biden. She will continue to
climb in the polls after this debate and solidify her second place standing.
On
the other hand, Senator Bernie Sanders (Vt.) stumbled throughout and his hoarse
voice did not serve him well.
Among
the other seven candidates on the stage, it is doubtful anyone will climb in
the polls. Senator Amy Klobuchar (Minn.)
came across reasonable when called upon, but the moments were few. She could end up being considered for a
running mate to the nominee.
Senator
Cory Booker (NJ) also spoke well on race issues and should receive a bump along
with Klobuchar in the polls.
Former
Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke had a good performance, especially when it came to his
position on gun control. Banning assault
weapons and the sale of high capacity ammunition clips is something 90 percent
of Americans would like to see.
Former
HUD Secretary Julian Castro, polling at 2%, displayed his desperate situation
with unnecessary attacks on Biden. They
were low blows delivered similar to what Senator Kamala Harris did in the first
debate. While that helped Harris gain
attention briefly, she fell back to 5-7% in the polls in short order. Do not look for a bump in the polls for
Castro.
South
Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg continues to come across well when he was called upon
and was correct when he scolded Castro for attacking Biden saying “this is what
voters hate about politics.”
Senator
Harris (Calf.) attempts at humor fell flat and she had difficulty defending her
position on criminal reform and health care.
Business
Andrew Yang showed why he should not be included in future debates, being weak
on all issues. His announcement gimmick that
a handful of supporters will receive $1,000 a month for a year will likely run
afoul of campaign finance regulations.
After
this debate, this is still Biden’s campaign to lose and Warren has established
she is the clear second place choice. Sanders
moment was clearly in the 2016 election – his fundraising will keep him in the
race, but he is done. Perhaps, if he
endorsed Warren, there would be a serious challenge to Biden.
O,Rourke,
Klobuchar, Butigieg and Booker continue to impress at moments but fail to gain
in polling. Harris has failed to regain
any of the momentary bump she received by attacking Biden in the first debate
so her days in the campaign may be waning.
For Andrew
Yang, it is time for him to exit the race - he is clearly not ready for prime
time.
