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Democrats Criticize Warren Over Ending Private Health Insurance Watch the Debate Live: Democrats Take Shots at Warren, Not Biden
(32 minutes later)
Pete Buttigieg, Beto O’Rourke and Amy Klobuchar, three candidates who sorely need to boost themselves in the polls, have adopted the same strategy tonight: Go after Elizabeth Warren.
All three sought to contrast themselves and their plans with Ms. Warren, with Mr. O’Rourke arguing the Massachusetts senator is “more interested in being punitive” than offering a positive vision. Ms. Klobuchar has twice offered “a reality check to Elizabeth.” And Mr. Buttigieg scolded her for not saying whether her health care plan will raise middle class taxes.
Ms. Warren, a polling co-leader with Mr. Biden, serves a useful foil for the three aiming to occupy the party’s moderate lane. Ms. Klobuchar and Mr. O’Rourke are in danger of missing next month’s debate, while Mr. Buttigieg is trying to lift himself into the field of front-runners.
By contrast, there were few attacks on Mr. Biden, who took much of the incoming fire from rivals in the past debates. Going after Ms. Warren lets the would-be moderate standard-bearers avoid a contrast with Mr. Biden, particularly on the Ukraine issue where he has become vulnerable. Attacking Ms. Warren serves as a rehearsal for the party’s moderate voters of how the candidates would fare against her in a presumed one-on-one matchup much later in the primary process.
It also shows which of the liberal candidate is feared most by the moderates. It’s no longer Bernie Sanders, it is only Ms. Warren.
Bernie Sanders got a question right in his wheelhouse: Should billionaires exist? He didn’t quite say yes but did launch into his regular tirade against the ultra-wealthy, saying it is “a moral and economic outrage” that the three richest Americans control as much wealth as half the country.
Mr. Steyer, himself a billionaire, went next. He denounced corporate power and blamed Republicans for passing legislation cutting taxes for the wealthy.
“The results are as shameful as Senator Sanders said,” he said. “It’s absolutely wrong, undemocratic and unfair.”
Ms. Warren then weighed in: “My question is not why do Bernie and I support a wealth tax, it’s why doesn’t — does everyone else on this stage — think it’s more important to protect billionaires than it is to invest in an entire generation.”
Mr. Biden then remarked, “No one is supporting billionaires.”
Ms. Warren didn’t quite roll her eyes, but she threw him a side eye.
Ms. Klobuchar weighed in soon after: “I want to give a reality check here to Elizabeth. No one on this stage wants to protect billionaires. Not even the billionaire wants to protect billionaires. We have different approaches. Your idea is not the only idea.”
The Democrats onstage mostly agree on economic policy but they disagreed over how to address the growing issue of automation replacing jobs, and the severity of threat that automation poses.
Ms. Warren said that automation was not a central issue, saying economic data suggested trade was a bigger issue.
“The principle reason has been bad trade policy,” Ms. Warren said of job losses.
Mr. Yang, who has made addressing automation a central issue, disagreed, saying Americans can see the issue playing out in front of them. “They see a self-serve kiosk in every McDonald’s,” he said, as millions of truckers worry about self-driving cars.
Mr. Yang said downplaying automation was “Ignoring the realities that Americans see around them every single day.”
Mr. Sanders, meanwhile, pledged a job for everyone who loses one through automation.
“Damn right we will,” Mr. Sanders said.
The health care discussion showed the greater schism in the Democratic Party. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders are on the side of eliminating private health insurance and installing a Medicare for all system, while Joseph R. Biden Jr., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Amy Klobuchar are on the other, castigating Medicare for all as a “pipe dream,” as the Minnesotan called it.
It is the broader debate rippling throughout the 2020 Democratic campaign trail. Polls show the party’s voters tend to favor the Warren-Sanders proposals, but are nagged by whether a candidate running on eliminating private health insurance can win a general election. This is the crux of the Democratic debate: a pull between early-state voters’ hearts and heads, with each of them becoming prognosticators guessing about what swing voters in key swing states might prefer.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, as she has done for weeks on the campaign trail, refused to entertain the question of whether “Medicare for all” will require a middle-class tax increase.Senator Elizabeth Warren, as she has done for weeks on the campaign trail, refused to entertain the question of whether “Medicare for all” will require a middle-class tax increase.
Instead she aimed to turn the question to overall costs.Instead she aimed to turn the question to overall costs.
“Let me be clear on this,” she said. “I will not sign a bill into law that does not lower costs for middle class families.”“Let me be clear on this,” she said. “I will not sign a bill into law that does not lower costs for middle class families.”
She repeatedly refused to say.She repeatedly refused to say.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg immediately pounced.Mayor Pete Buttigieg immediately pounced.
“A yes or no question that did not get a yes or no answer,” he said, saying it sounded like the type of things Americans hate about Washington. He added, “Your signature senator is to have a plan for everything: Except this.”“A yes or no question that did not get a yes or no answer,” he said, saying it sounded like the type of things Americans hate about Washington. He added, “Your signature senator is to have a plan for everything: Except this.”
Mr. Buttigieg then pitched his “Medicare for all who want it.” When Ms. Warren’s turn came, she said that Mr. Buttigieg’s vision amounts to “Medicare for all who can afford it.”Mr. Buttigieg then pitched his “Medicare for all who want it.” When Ms. Warren’s turn came, she said that Mr. Buttigieg’s vision amounts to “Medicare for all who can afford it.”
Mr. Buttigieg came back and said Ms. Warren would “obliterate” the private health insurance of 150 million Americans. “It’s just better than Medicare for all whether you want it or not,” Mr. Buttigieg said, rebranding Ms. Warren’s plan in a more negative light.Mr. Buttigieg came back and said Ms. Warren would “obliterate” the private health insurance of 150 million Americans. “It’s just better than Medicare for all whether you want it or not,” Mr. Buttigieg said, rebranding Ms. Warren’s plan in a more negative light.
Senator Amy Klobuchar followed up with her own hit on Ms. Warren.Senator Amy Klobuchar followed up with her own hit on Ms. Warren.
“At least Bernie’s being honest here,” Ms. Klobuchar interrupted, addressing Ms. Warren as “Elizabeth,” saying Americans deserved to know where the “invoice” was going.“At least Bernie’s being honest here,” Ms. Klobuchar interrupted, addressing Ms. Warren as “Elizabeth,” saying Americans deserved to know where the “invoice” was going.
Ms. Klobuchar continued, dismissing Ms. Warren’s ideas as unrealistic, declaring there is a “difference between a plan and pipe dream.”Ms. Klobuchar continued, dismissing Ms. Warren’s ideas as unrealistic, declaring there is a “difference between a plan and pipe dream.”
It fell to Mr. Sanders to explain exactly what Medicare for all would require.It fell to Mr. Sanders to explain exactly what Medicare for all would require.
“Taxes will go up,” he said, before explaining that costs will go down because, under his plan, medical insurance premiums and co-pays would be eliminated.“Taxes will go up,” he said, before explaining that costs will go down because, under his plan, medical insurance premiums and co-pays would be eliminated.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. largely dodged a question about whether it was proper for his son, Hunter, to work for a Ukrainian energy company, aiming to turn the question back onto President Trump’s conduct.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. largely dodged a question about whether it was proper for his son, Hunter, to work for a Ukrainian energy company, aiming to turn the question back onto President Trump’s conduct.
“My son did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. I carried out the policy of the United States government in rooting out corruption in Ukraine,” Mr. Biden said.“My son did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. I carried out the policy of the United States government in rooting out corruption in Ukraine,” Mr. Biden said.
Invoking George Washington’s warning about foreign interference in American affairs, Mr. Biden said Mr. Trump has directed his aides to investigate Mr. Biden and his son because he doesn’t want him as a general election opponent.Invoking George Washington’s warning about foreign interference in American affairs, Mr. Biden said Mr. Trump has directed his aides to investigate Mr. Biden and his son because he doesn’t want him as a general election opponent.
“Rudy Giuliani, the president and his thugs have already proven they are flat lying,” Mr. Biden said. “He doesn’t want me to be the candidate.”“Rudy Giuliani, the president and his thugs have already proven they are flat lying,” Mr. Biden said. “He doesn’t want me to be the candidate.”
Pressed again on the question, Mr. Biden said: “My son’s statement speaks for itself. I did my job. I never discussed a single thing with my son about anything having to do with Ukraine. No one has indicated I have.”Pressed again on the question, Mr. Biden said: “My son’s statement speaks for itself. I did my job. I never discussed a single thing with my son about anything having to do with Ukraine. No one has indicated I have.”
Senator Bernie Sanders followed Mr. Biden but notably choose not to defend Mr. Biden or his son’s work in Ukraine, pivoting to his own message about fighting for the middle class.Senator Bernie Sanders followed Mr. Biden but notably choose not to defend Mr. Biden or his son’s work in Ukraine, pivoting to his own message about fighting for the middle class.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper directed the first question to Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has surged in the polls in recent months, about impeachment, asking her why Mr. Trump should be impeached and removed from office with only a year until the election.CNN’s Anderson Cooper directed the first question to Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has surged in the polls in recent months, about impeachment, asking her why Mr. Trump should be impeached and removed from office with only a year until the election.
“Sometimes there are issues that are bigger than politics,” she began. “No one is above the law.”“Sometimes there are issues that are bigger than politics,” she began. “No one is above the law.”
“This is about Donald Trump but understand this is about the next president and the next president and the next president,” she said. “The impeachment must go forward.”“This is about Donald Trump but understand this is about the next president and the next president and the next president,” she said. “The impeachment must go forward.”
Mr. Sanders added that Mr. Trump the “most corrupt” president in American history.Mr. Sanders added that Mr. Trump the “most corrupt” president in American history.
Mr. Biden agreed that Mr. Trump was the “most corrupt,” and hit Mr. Trump for failing to cooperate. “They have no choice but to move,” Mr. Biden said of Congress.Mr. Biden agreed that Mr. Trump was the “most corrupt,” and hit Mr. Trump for failing to cooperate. “They have no choice but to move,” Mr. Biden said of Congress.
“He’s been selling out our democracy,” Senator Kamala Harris said when her turn came around, adding “He has given us the evidence and tried to cover it up.”“He’s been selling out our democracy,” Senator Kamala Harris said when her turn came around, adding “He has given us the evidence and tried to cover it up.”
By opening the debate with impeachment questions, the moderators are throwing softballs to the candidates onstage. So far they’ve allowed Ms. Warren, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris to recite their stump speech remarks on impeachment without any contrast with each other.By opening the debate with impeachment questions, the moderators are throwing softballs to the candidates onstage. So far they’ve allowed Ms. Warren, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris to recite their stump speech remarks on impeachment without any contrast with each other.
“Our framers imagined this moment,” Ms. Harris said. “A moment when we would have a corrupt president.”“Our framers imagined this moment,” Ms. Harris said. “A moment when we would have a corrupt president.”
It’s a far cry from the first three debates, which each opened with taut exchanges about health care policy. Allowing them each a direct contrast with Mr. Trump falls square in the wheelhouse of each of the Democrats running to replace him.It’s a far cry from the first three debates, which each opened with taut exchanges about health care policy. Allowing them each a direct contrast with Mr. Trump falls square in the wheelhouse of each of the Democrats running to replace him.
The challenge for the candidates who have to go later in what are effectively opening statements on impeachment is saying something that viewers didn’t just already hear.The challenge for the candidates who have to go later in what are effectively opening statements on impeachment is saying something that viewers didn’t just already hear.
Asked about the possibility of impeachment distracting her party and Congress, Senator Amy Klobuchar said, “We can do two things at once.” She added a quick reference to farmers in Iowa, where she is staking her campaign. Asked about the possibility of impeachment distracting her party and Congress, Ms. Klobuchar said, “We can do two things at once.” She added a quick reference to farmers in Iowa, where she is staking her campaign.
“I’d like to hear from him about how coddling up to Vladimir Putin makes America great again,” Ms. Klobuchar said.“I’d like to hear from him about how coddling up to Vladimir Putin makes America great again,” Ms. Klobuchar said.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg went after Republicans for opposing impeachment.Mayor Pete Buttigieg went after Republicans for opposing impeachment.
“A president 10 years or 100 years from now will look back at this moment and either draw the conclusion that no one is above the law or that a president can get away with anything,” he said, echoing a line that Ms. Warren said a few minutes earlier.“A president 10 years or 100 years from now will look back at this moment and either draw the conclusion that no one is above the law or that a president can get away with anything,” he said, echoing a line that Ms. Warren said a few minutes earlier.
Mr. Buttigieg, as he has in past debates, invoked the morals of not just Mr. Trump but congressional Republicans, who he said should also be supporting impeachment.Mr. Buttigieg, as he has in past debates, invoked the morals of not just Mr. Trump but congressional Republicans, who he said should also be supporting impeachment.
Representative Tulsi Gabbard, the lone House member onstage, struck a different tone, expressing concern about the division an impeachment would cause and echoed a talking point that Mr. Trump’s allies have used: that Democrats have wanted to impeach Mr. Trump from the start.Representative Tulsi Gabbard, the lone House member onstage, struck a different tone, expressing concern about the division an impeachment would cause and echoed a talking point that Mr. Trump’s allies have used: that Democrats have wanted to impeach Mr. Trump from the start.
“He won that election in 2016,” Ms. Gabbard said.“He won that election in 2016,” Ms. Gabbard said.
The 12 Democratic candidates are now taking the stage, shaking hands and smiling and waving to the audience. Mr. Biden was first, followed by Ms. Warren, who shook his hand and said, “Hi Joe.” Mr. Sanders was next, waving to the hall and shaking the hands of his two top rivals. Ms. Harris took the stage and gave Mr. Sanders a gentle pat on the back. When former Representative Beto O’Rourke entered he shook the hands of everyone onstage. Seven other candidates filed in, waving to the audience one after another.The 12 Democratic candidates are now taking the stage, shaking hands and smiling and waving to the audience. Mr. Biden was first, followed by Ms. Warren, who shook his hand and said, “Hi Joe.” Mr. Sanders was next, waving to the hall and shaking the hands of his two top rivals. Ms. Harris took the stage and gave Mr. Sanders a gentle pat on the back. When former Representative Beto O’Rourke entered he shook the hands of everyone onstage. Seven other candidates filed in, waving to the audience one after another.
Even more than in past debates, there are a lot of eyes on Mr. Sanders, who had a heart attack exactly two weeks ago, and who is returning to the campaign trail with tonight’s debate. Many Democrats are also watching Mr. Biden closely to see how he handles any questions about his son Hunter Biden’s work for overseas companies.Even more than in past debates, there are a lot of eyes on Mr. Sanders, who had a heart attack exactly two weeks ago, and who is returning to the campaign trail with tonight’s debate. Many Democrats are also watching Mr. Biden closely to see how he handles any questions about his son Hunter Biden’s work for overseas companies.
Each of the 12 candidates onstage tonight will be looking for standout moments. But if history is a guide, avoiding the wrong kind of standout moment may be even more important. However superficial it may be, a gaffe at a debate can destroy a campaign, as New York Times political reporters explored in a video today. Just look at Rick Perry’s “oops” moment in 2011, when he forgot the name of the third government agency he promised to eliminate as president, or Gerald Ford misspeaking in 1976 and saying Russia did not have influence in Eastern Europe. That moment was especially devastating for Ford because it played directly into an image many voters already had of him.Each of the 12 candidates onstage tonight will be looking for standout moments. But if history is a guide, avoiding the wrong kind of standout moment may be even more important. However superficial it may be, a gaffe at a debate can destroy a campaign, as New York Times political reporters explored in a video today. Just look at Rick Perry’s “oops” moment in 2011, when he forgot the name of the third government agency he promised to eliminate as president, or Gerald Ford misspeaking in 1976 and saying Russia did not have influence in Eastern Europe. That moment was especially devastating for Ford because it played directly into an image many voters already had of him.
Occasionally, candidates can give themselves a boost or take out an opponent in one fell swoop. But more often, even the most well-placed attack will hurt the target more than it helps the attacker. Take Chris Christie, who went after Marco Rubio in 2016 for using canned lines. Mr. Rubio was badly wounded, but the Christie campaign went nowhere. It’s one more piece of evidence that when the points are tallied at the end of the night, voters may be swayed more by who lost than who won.Occasionally, candidates can give themselves a boost or take out an opponent in one fell swoop. But more often, even the most well-placed attack will hurt the target more than it helps the attacker. Take Chris Christie, who went after Marco Rubio in 2016 for using canned lines. Mr. Rubio was badly wounded, but the Christie campaign went nowhere. It’s one more piece of evidence that when the points are tallied at the end of the night, voters may be swayed more by who lost than who won.
Much of the discussion here in Ohio Tuesday has been about the interview that ABC broadcast this morning of Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s son, Hunter Biden. The younger Biden acknowledged “poor judgment” in working for a Ukrainian energy company while his father was vice president, but said he had done nothing wrong.Much of the discussion here in Ohio Tuesday has been about the interview that ABC broadcast this morning of Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s son, Hunter Biden. The younger Biden acknowledged “poor judgment” in working for a Ukrainian energy company while his father was vice president, but said he had done nothing wrong.
The interview drew predictable wrath from Republicans aligned with President Trump — many of whom are the children of powerful officials even though they denigrated the Bidens with charges of nepotism. But so far Mr. Biden’s fellow Democrats have steered clear of the issue.The interview drew predictable wrath from Republicans aligned with President Trump — many of whom are the children of powerful officials even though they denigrated the Bidens with charges of nepotism. But so far Mr. Biden’s fellow Democrats have steered clear of the issue.
When the topic comes up during tonight’s debate, expect Mr. Biden’s onstage rivals to jump to his defense. Mr. Buttigieg did so Sunday, saying Hunter Biden was being held to “different standards” than the Trump children, who are engaged in their own international business dealings. Mr. Biden responded by calling Mr. Buttigieg “a good man.”When the topic comes up during tonight’s debate, expect Mr. Biden’s onstage rivals to jump to his defense. Mr. Buttigieg did so Sunday, saying Hunter Biden was being held to “different standards” than the Trump children, who are engaged in their own international business dealings. Mr. Biden responded by calling Mr. Buttigieg “a good man.”
There will likely be more of that sentiment tonight. Democratic voters have shown little tolerance for their candidates echoing Mr. Trump’s attacks — nobody running has questioned Ms. Warren’s claims of Native American heritage. So when the inevitable moderator question about Mr. Biden’s son happens tonight, it may serve as a kumbaya moment.There will likely be more of that sentiment tonight. Democratic voters have shown little tolerance for their candidates echoing Mr. Trump’s attacks — nobody running has questioned Ms. Warren’s claims of Native American heritage. So when the inevitable moderator question about Mr. Biden’s son happens tonight, it may serve as a kumbaya moment.
Dozens of Ohio’s Democratic leaders have gathered in and around the state capital in advance of the debate, and they are thinking well past tonight: Can the party’s eventual presidential nominee carry the state next year?Dozens of Ohio’s Democratic leaders have gathered in and around the state capital in advance of the debate, and they are thinking well past tonight: Can the party’s eventual presidential nominee carry the state next year?
This is a state that has long prized its status as one of the premier presidential battlegrounds: Every winning candidate since 1960, has carried Ohio. But the truth is, Ohio has long been slightly more conservative than what approximates the national median. And as the two parties increasingly realign along educational lines, this heavily working-class state has become even more red.This is a state that has long prized its status as one of the premier presidential battlegrounds: Every winning candidate since 1960, has carried Ohio. But the truth is, Ohio has long been slightly more conservative than what approximates the national median. And as the two parties increasingly realign along educational lines, this heavily working-class state has become even more red.
For evidence, look no further than President Trump’s eight-point victory over Hillary Clinton in Ohio in 2016 — a margin that was higher than in some states where Mrs. Clinton did not stump in the final weekend of the election, as she did in Ohio. Publicly, of course, Ohio’s leading Democrats insist that they can put the state back in their column in 2020. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who considered seeking the nomination, emailed a memo to the media this week extolling the state’s “crucial role on the national stage,” reciting the state’s history as a bellwether with the not-so-subtle header: “As Goes Ohio.”For evidence, look no further than President Trump’s eight-point victory over Hillary Clinton in Ohio in 2016 — a margin that was higher than in some states where Mrs. Clinton did not stump in the final weekend of the election, as she did in Ohio. Publicly, of course, Ohio’s leading Democrats insist that they can put the state back in their column in 2020. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who considered seeking the nomination, emailed a memo to the media this week extolling the state’s “crucial role on the national stage,” reciting the state’s history as a bellwether with the not-so-subtle header: “As Goes Ohio.”
Yet in private conversations, Ohio Democrats are less confident about their prospects next year. They acknowledge other states will be more competitive and important to their nominee. However, these same Democrats are quick to add that they may reclaim the state if — and it’s a big if — they have the right nominee.Yet in private conversations, Ohio Democrats are less confident about their prospects next year. They acknowledge other states will be more competitive and important to their nominee. However, these same Democrats are quick to add that they may reclaim the state if — and it’s a big if — they have the right nominee.
It is, in other words, the same debate Democrats are having nationally. Except here, in a state that has produced seven presidents and claims paternity over electing even more, it’s personal.It is, in other words, the same debate Democrats are having nationally. Except here, in a state that has produced seven presidents and claims paternity over electing even more, it’s personal.
Senator Elizabeth Warren enters the debate with her campaign on the rise. She now rivals Mr. Biden atop national polls, and she raised significantly more money than he did in the past three months (though she narrowly trailed Senator Bernie Sanders for the largest haul in the field). Ms. Warren has offered crisp performances on the debate stage so far this year, and when she answers questions, she is particularly adept at sticking to the messages that animate her campaign — which revolves around the need for “big, structural change.”
There is no reason to expect she will depart from that approach at tonight’s debate. More than ever, though, Ms. Warren stands as a prime target for her rivals, given her strength in the race. She has already been jabbed over her support of “Medicare for all” and her refusal to address whether she would raise taxes on the middle class to help finance such a health care system. But going after Ms. Warren, who is highly popular among Democratic voters, is also a dangerous move for other candidates, as voters may not be keen to reward negative attacks within the Democratic field.
When Senator Bernie Sanders takes the stage tonight, it will have been exactly two weeks since he suffered a heart attack while campaigning in Las Vegas. Since then, he has been recuperating, first at the hospital and then at his home in Burlington, Vt. Beyond brief interviews with reporters, a handful of sit-down interviews with television networks at his home and an appearance by live-stream at a union forum in Iowa, Mr. Sanders has remained out of public view and off the campaign trail.
Shortly before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Mr. Sanders did a walk-through of the debate stage with his wife, Jane Sanders. There were lots of smiles as he fiddled with his microphone and peered at the lights and cameras.
Mr. Sanders’s campaign is highly optimistic about his performance at the debate, saying viewers should expect him to appear as energetic as ever and to rebuff questions about whether he will be physically able to withstand an event that is grueling for any candidate, let alone one with recent health issues. But his team also allowed that his health and appearance will be under intense scrutiny, and it is expecting him to be asked by the moderators to address the topic onstage.
In terms of his message, his team does not expect him to crack a joke about his heart attack (though anything is possible) but viewers can expect him to continue to push for his “Medicare for all” health care system and advocate for the working class.
While there are a handful of candidates for whom October is likely their last appearance at a national debate, given the Democratic National Committee’s higher polling requirements in November and beyond, one man will be making his national debut: Tom Steyer.While there are a handful of candidates for whom October is likely their last appearance at a national debate, given the Democratic National Committee’s higher polling requirements in November and beyond, one man will be making his national debut: Tom Steyer.
Mr. Steyer, the billionaire businessman who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, is nonetheless a familiar face to millions of Americans because of his self-funded advertising campaigns: first his blitz calling for the impeachment of Mr. Trump and, more recently, his aggressive campaigning in the early-voting states, where he is by far the largest television advertiser.Mr. Steyer, the billionaire businessman who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, is nonetheless a familiar face to millions of Americans because of his self-funded advertising campaigns: first his blitz calling for the impeachment of Mr. Trump and, more recently, his aggressive campaigning in the early-voting states, where he is by far the largest television advertiser.
Mr. Steyer could surprise some viewers. While he comes from the wealthy class that Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren have staked their campaigns railing against, Mr. Steyer actually aligns with those two leading liberals on many issues, including support for a “wealth tax” on the assets of the superrich. He is running as an outsider and is passionate in particular about climate change, a space less filled since Gov. Jay Inslee dropped out of the race.Mr. Steyer could surprise some viewers. While he comes from the wealthy class that Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren have staked their campaigns railing against, Mr. Steyer actually aligns with those two leading liberals on many issues, including support for a “wealth tax” on the assets of the superrich. He is running as an outsider and is passionate in particular about climate change, a space less filled since Gov. Jay Inslee dropped out of the race.
One particular thing to watch for: Mr. Steyer has a favorite red plaid tie that has made even his friends and allies groan about occasionally. The Christmas-like color scheme could make a distinct first impression in October.One particular thing to watch for: Mr. Steyer has a favorite red plaid tie that has made even his friends and allies groan about occasionally. The Christmas-like color scheme could make a distinct first impression in October.
As the mayor of South Bend, Ind., Pete Buttigieg has been the breakout Democratic star of the 2020 campaign. Virtually unknown in January, he collected the most money in the campaign’s second fund-raising quarter and trailed only Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren in the third quarter. Yet he’s still mired far back in most polls.
During the first two debates, Mr. Buttigieg delivered credible if milquetoast performances. Now is his chance to springboard into the campaign’s top tier — his footprint of field offices, the largest in the race, could serve to propel him in the early states with a winning debate performance.
But what does such a performance look like for Mr. Buttigieg? So far in the campaign he’s tiptoed into conflicts with Mr. Biden, Ms. Warren, Mr. Sanders and former Representative Beto O’Rourke without a prolonged engagement with any of them. Mr. Buttigieg and his team believe he’s best when he’s not forced to contrast himself with anyone but Mr. Trump, an audacious position for a 37-year-old who in his mayoral election won just 8,515 votes.
One sure bet tonight: Tulsi Gabbard will attack the media.
Since Thursday, Ms. Gabbard, the Hawaii congresswoman, has threatened to boycott the debate, which she claimed was “rigged” by the Democratic National Committee and the “corporate media.” Then Monday she told supporters in a brief message that she “will be attending the debate,” without providing further explanation.
In between, her team sent a handful of fund-raising emails and tweets, attacking The Times for what it called a “smear piece” detailing her support from prominent conservatives from racist corners of the internet.
“The corporate media elite do not get to cast our broad and diverse movement of patriots, parents, students, veterans, teachers, nurses, volunteers, soldiers and ordinary Americans — as deplorables,” Ms. Gabbard’s team wrote Monday.
Tuesday’s debate may be Ms. Gabbard’s last time on a presidential debate stage, so she’s going to want to make it count. Being the only candidate onstage at war with the moderators is one surefire way to stand out in the crowd.
The previous debates have largely passed over a key economic issue: the declining power of workers, and how that decline has led to rising inequality and stagnant wages, even with the lowest unemployment rate in decades.The previous debates have largely passed over a key economic issue: the declining power of workers, and how that decline has led to rising inequality and stagnant wages, even with the lowest unemployment rate in decades.
“Topics like income inequality have been absent from moderator questioning, even though a majority of Americans say they have lost their optimism regarding our country’s economic growth,” said an open letter to 10 major news organizations, including The New York Times, sent by a group of labor leaders and advocates last week.“Topics like income inequality have been absent from moderator questioning, even though a majority of Americans say they have lost their optimism regarding our country’s economic growth,” said an open letter to 10 major news organizations, including The New York Times, sent by a group of labor leaders and advocates last week.
It’s not that candidates are ignoring the issue. As The Times reported, at least half of those in Tuesday night’s debate have ambitious plans to give workers more clout — plans well to the left of Democratic candidates in earlier presidential cycles.It’s not that candidates are ignoring the issue. As The Times reported, at least half of those in Tuesday night’s debate have ambitious plans to give workers more clout — plans well to the left of Democratic candidates in earlier presidential cycles.
Bernie Sanders, Mr. Buttigieg and Senator Cory Booker, among others, propose allowing workers to bargain with companies on an industrywide basis rather than employer by employer, which could raise wages for millions of people.Bernie Sanders, Mr. Buttigieg and Senator Cory Booker, among others, propose allowing workers to bargain with companies on an industrywide basis rather than employer by employer, which could raise wages for millions of people.
Several candidates, including Elizabeth Warren and Mr. O’Rourke advocate giving workers more power when they strike, and effectively requiring many companies to treat contractors as employees, entitling them to a minimum wage and overtime.Several candidates, including Elizabeth Warren and Mr. O’Rourke advocate giving workers more power when they strike, and effectively requiring many companies to treat contractors as employees, entitling them to a minimum wage and overtime.
Polls of Democratic voters show increasing sentiment that weakly regulated capitalism is giving workers short shrift. In 2010, fewer than 45 percent had a favorable view of socialism, according to Pew Research Center. This year, nearly two-thirds did.Polls of Democratic voters show increasing sentiment that weakly regulated capitalism is giving workers short shrift. In 2010, fewer than 45 percent had a favorable view of socialism, according to Pew Research Center. This year, nearly two-thirds did.
With Democratic voters favoring change, policy experts prescribing action, and candidates proposing it, only the debate moderators have yet to be heard from.With Democratic voters favoring change, policy experts prescribing action, and candidates proposing it, only the debate moderators have yet to be heard from.
Much of the 2020 Democratic presidential contest is like the N.C.A.A. basketball tournament, with candidates aiming just to survive and advance.Much of the 2020 Democratic presidential contest is like the N.C.A.A. basketball tournament, with candidates aiming just to survive and advance.
Tuesday’s debate may be the last opportunity for the bottom four candidates onstage to address a national audience. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Mr. O’Rourke, Mr. Castro and Ms. Gabbard have not qualified for November’s debate in Atlanta. Barring a shift in polling in the next month, they won’t.Tuesday’s debate may be the last opportunity for the bottom four candidates onstage to address a national audience. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Mr. O’Rourke, Mr. Castro and Ms. Gabbard have not qualified for November’s debate in Atlanta. Barring a shift in polling in the next month, they won’t.
So what can they do?So what can they do?
Other than the Ms. Harris’s ambush of Mr. Biden in June, nothing any candidate has done to attack a front-runner has worked, and in retrospect, Ms. Harris’s move on the former vice president merely served as a sugar high.Other than the Ms. Harris’s ambush of Mr. Biden in June, nothing any candidate has done to attack a front-runner has worked, and in retrospect, Ms. Harris’s move on the former vice president merely served as a sugar high.
Mr. Castro’s attack on Mr. O’Rourke worked in the June debate, when the former housing secretary told him to “do his homework” on immigration laws, but it backfired when he went after Mr. Biden’s memory in the September debate. Ms. Klobuchar has performed well but has not stood out. Mr. O’Rourke had a brief moment in the spotlight at last month’s debate when he said “hell yes, we are going to take your AR-15.” And Ms. Gabbard is a wild card, just as liable to attack the moderators as her competitors.Mr. Castro’s attack on Mr. O’Rourke worked in the June debate, when the former housing secretary told him to “do his homework” on immigration laws, but it backfired when he went after Mr. Biden’s memory in the September debate. Ms. Klobuchar has performed well but has not stood out. Mr. O’Rourke had a brief moment in the spotlight at last month’s debate when he said “hell yes, we are going to take your AR-15.” And Ms. Gabbard is a wild card, just as liable to attack the moderators as her competitors.
Maggie Astor, Thomas Kaplan, Jonathan Martin, Sydney Ember, Katie Glueck and Kevin McKenna contributed reporting.Maggie Astor, Thomas Kaplan, Jonathan Martin, Sydney Ember, Katie Glueck and Kevin McKenna contributed reporting.