Comcast's (NASDAQ: CMCSA) MSNBC, in partnership with the Washington Post, hosted the fifth Democratic primary debate on Wednesday at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and I enjoyed watching the . The 10 candidates who qualified pitched their visions and ideas in front of the major southern city and an all-female moderator team of Rachel Maddow, Andrea Mitchell, Ashley Parker, and Kristen Welker. There were funny moments, like the exchange between Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and former vice president Joe Biden on marijuana reform. There was spectacle in MSNBC's many pointed and combative questions that were framed from a right-wing perspective. There was inspiration, like when the candidates showed unity on impeachment and protecting American democracy and voting rights.
There were a few major and minor winners from the debate. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang attracted attention. Though he again received the least speaking time, his answers were likeable and straightforward. He again explained his Freedom Dividend proposal and how it would help the middle class. He offered a strong closing statement about leaving a better world for our children. Mayor Pete Buttigieg also stood out, as the rising star in recent early state polls. He fended off criticism and viciously went after Representative Tulsi Gabbard's foreign policy. He gave a strong but sensitive vibe. Finally, Senator Cory Booker performed well, showing an unusual passion and articulating progressive drug and foreign policies.
There were a few major and minor losers too. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) did not do well. The moderate lawmaker fell flat again with forced jokes and a platform that widely rejects ambitious ideas. Joe Biden did not flop terribly, but he did not perform well enough to supplant Warren or Buttigieg as the front runner. He made more gaffes, including the tone-deaf call to "keep punching" at the issue of domestic violence. Biden's strategy now seems to be minimizing embarrassing moments. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) flailed around, bizarrely declining an offer to attack Buttigieg's record and instead getting into the weeds with Gabbard over a past dispute.
Overall, the fifth Democratic debate was the worst debate yet. Unfortunately, the moderators did many things wrong. First, they asked mild questions that were not interactive or collaborative. Instead of opening up the stage to volleys and critiques, the questions just encouraged campaign pitches. Second, they failed to ask any specific questions about racial issues like Buttigieg's controversial Douglas plan, reproductive freedom, or healthcare reform options. And they spent two questions on impeachment, which is not a primary issue. That led to a shallow debate around policy. Finally, I predict that Klobuchar and Harris will continue to struggle in the polls or even drop out in the next few months, while Biden will slowly slip, and Yang and Buttigieg will at least keep their steady momentum.
The author is an independent voter sharing his own opinion.