AT&T (NYSE: T) WarnerMedia's CNN, in partnership with the Democratic Party, hosted the first night of its second 2020 primary debate last Tuesday, and I enjoyed watching the entire event. Although nobody knew what to expect and the candidates seemed somewhat nervous, the first night featured plenty for everyone. There were funny moments, like the numerous soundbites and zingers that many candidates used and a back-and-forth between Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Governor John Hickenlooper that included both men throwing their hands up in the air. There was spectacle in CNN's many pointed and combative questions and countless heated exchanges between two candidates. There was inspiration, like when Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) explained how her wealth tax would enable a group of popular social programs.
There were a few major and minor winners from the first night. Senator Elizabeth Warren was the clear winner who stood out. As one of the progressive and more left-leaning candidates, the unspoken question was how she would address her colleague Sanders. But instead of arguing about who is more progressive, she and Sanders avoided direct confrontation, instead going after the moderates. Warren shut down centrist John Delaney, saying he should not run for president if he keeps recommending policies to reject, citing his repeated opposition to Medicare for All and her wealth tax. Bernie did well too, passionately expounding on his familiar platform. He wrecked Representative Tim Ryan on healthcare, declaring "I wrote the damn bill" when challenged on Medicare for All's coverage. Finally, Montana Governor Steve Bullock made a decent first impression with his folksy manner and pitch of being a moderate who can win over conservatives. Williamson also said some insightful yet bizarre things, such as blaming "dark psychic forces" from the Trump administration for phenomena like the Flint water crisis.
There were a few major and minor losers too. Representative Tim Ryan absolutely embarrassed himself again. He looked and sounded unprepared to go toe-to-toe with Bernie and Warren. He could not hold his own during a healthcare discussion with Bernie. He failed to articulate a unique and compelling policy platform. Delaney also failed to make a good impression, playing the role of naysayer against various progressive policy proposals. He also unexpectedly declared his support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a defunct trade deal that is unpopular among both Democrats and Republicans. Hickenlooper, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Mayor Pete Buttigieg also did not use their time to stand out in terms of policy or personality.
Overall, the first night of the second Democratic debate was a fun event with some surprises. Unfortunately, the CNN moderators did many things wrong. First, they strictly enforced time limits, but the 15 and 30 seconds limits for rebuttal were too short for meaningful dialogue. Second, they framed many questions to be unusually combative, often asking a specific candidate to respond to another candidate's quoted criticism. That practice led to an especially contentious debate. Finally, I predict that Ryan, Delaney, and Hickenlooper will drop out after failing to qualify for the September debate, while Warren will continue her steady rise in the polls.
The author is an independent voter sharing his own opinion.