Frayed alliances. Accusations of sexism. The smallest—and whitest—field yet. The pressure and plotlines surrounding Tuesday’s Democratic presidential debate in Des Moines, Iowa, were unlike the six contests before it, with just three weeks until voting begins. (Politico)
Topics such as the U.S. presence in the Middle East, health care and the environment dominated the debate. There was also an awaited moment between Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders addressing comments Sanders allegedly made doubting that a woman could win the presidency. (NPR)
When the topic came up during the debate, which was hosted by CNN, both sought to set the issue aside and move on, even as Sanders once again denied telling Warren a woman couldn’t win during a one-on-one meeting in 2018. (NBC News)
The decision to avoid head-on fights was motivated no doubt by the fact that much of the Democratic electorate seems to have little appetite for such squabbles, preferring the focus be kept on attacking Trump and not doing too much lasting damage for the general election. (HuffPost)
Warren had the most speaking time during the debate with nearly 19 minutes, followed closely by Sanders and Sen. Amy Klobuchar at nearly 18 minutes. (CNN)