CNN, in partnership with the Des Moines Register, hosted the seventh Democratic primary debate on Tuesday at in Des Moines, Iowa, and I enjoyed watching the entire event. The six candidates who qualified pitched their visions and ideas in front of the early voting state's audience and moderator team of Wolf Blitzer, Abby Phillip, and Brianne Pfannenstiel. There were funny moments, like the exchange between Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) over a math puzzle. There was spectacle in the allegations of sexism against Sanders. There was inspiration, like when the candidates largely agreed on reforming U.S. foreign policy to focus on diplomacy and peace instead of escalation and war.

There were a few major winners from the debate. Sanders enjoyed perhaps his best performance so far, truly shining through on a smaller stage. The progressive firebrand showed his usual passion and fiery oratory, still aimed at the 1%, elite, big pharma, Wall Street, and President Donald Trump. He also went former vice president Joe Biden for foreign policy blunders. He made a strong case for his signature Medicare for All policy with a fiscally responsible argument. He also differentiated himself from Biden on trade, pushing a left-wing narrative that blames NAFTA and permanent normal trade relations with China as culprits for middle class pain. Businessman Tom Steyer did fairly well, as he was largely helped by the legitimacy of being on stage with career politicians. Steyer touted his private sector billionaire bona fides and emphasized his concern about climate change, vowing to declare a climate emergency if elected. With the shortest speaking time, Steyer managed to promote his advantages and craft some appealing lines.

There were a few major and minor losers too. Senator Elizabeth Warren was the biggest loser. She failed to give convincing details on foreign policy. She did not successfully convince voters why they should choose her healthcare plan instead of Biden's or Sanders'. Her embrace of woke talking points and unfounded allegations of sexism toward Sanders were uncharacteristic and repulsive. Her controversial refusal to shake Sanders' hand, instead grilling him about calling her a liar, ultimately doomed her campaign. Joe Biden did not flop terribly, but he also had trouble speaking coherently and articulating policy details at times. He also avoided attacking other candidates, escaping much criticism in return. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) performed decently. The moderate lawmaker told fewer forced jokes and instead showed conviction in her answers, especially on foreign policy. Mayor Pete Buttigieg was largely forgettable, as he could not shine through into the top 3.

Overall, the seventh Democratic debate was good, but it missed some things. The moderators did many things right. First, they asked deep questions about a broad variety of topics, from China to trade to impeachment to how to beat Trump. But they also asked Sanders a biased question concerning the sexism allegation. And all the contenders were white, due to the DNC's shutting out entrepreneur Andrew Yang with a dearth of polls. His voice on topics like automation and technological reform were sorely missed. Finally, I predict the top 3 of Sanders, Biden, and then Warren will pull ahead in a close finish to the Iowa caucuses, while the others play catchup.

The author is an independent voter sharing his own opinion.