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Seven Democrats lined up for the sixth and final primary debate of 2019 on Thursday evening in Los Angeles, sparring on trade, uniting in condemnation of President Donald Trump and putting surging moderate candidate Pete Buttigieg in the crosshairs.
Here are four takeaways:
1. Buttigieg's 'wine cave' attacks
Buttigieg, topping the polls in key early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire – and seemingly getting under the skins of rivals – came under repeated attack from senators Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren over fundraising and electability, and hit back hard.
The South Bend mayor's recent closed fundraiser in a "wine cave" drew scorn from Warren, who said "billionaires in wine caves should not pick the next president of the United States" and added she was not taking part in big money fundraising events.
"This is our only chance to defeat Trump," the 37-year-old Buttigieg responded. "We shouldn't try to do it with one hand behind our back…. We need everyone's help in this fight."
Senator Elizabeth Warren (R) criticizes South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg during the Democratic debate in Los Angeles, U.S., December 19, 2019. /Reuters Photo
Buttigieg went on to note he was the only candidate on stage who wasn't a millionaire or billionaire, telling Warren "your net worth is 100 times mine" and adding "this is the problem issuing purity tests you yourself cannot pass."
Senator Bernie Sanders added that he was "the only candidate up here not to receive billionaire contributions," claiming Joe Biden had 44 and Buttigieg 39 and joking the pair were competing.
"I have never even been to a wine cave," Klobuchar, who also contrasted her own experience and electability with that of the mayor. "Try building a coalition to win re-election with 80 percent of the vote as a gay dude in Mike Pence's Indiana," Buttigieg responded.
2. Klobuchar, Yang take chance
With only seven candidates on the stage, contenders who had previously struggled for speaking time had an opportunity to shine. Klobuchar in particular stood out repeatedly stressing her past electoral successes and accomplishments in Washington
"It's not just about numbers, it's about what you get done," Klobuchar said. "What matters is can you bring in those rural and suburban areas, particularly in the Midwest."
Senator Amy Klobuchar at the 2020 Democratic debate in Los Angeles, U.S., December 19, 2019. /Reuters Photo
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang also enjoyed significantly more speaking time than in previous debates, making progress with his warnings about the changing way of life and frequent jokes. "I know what you're thinking, America," he said in his closing statement. "How am I still on this stage with them?!"
Billionaire Tom Steyer also had more opportunities to push his messages on climate change and impeachment. There were no black or Latino candidates on the stage, with Cory Booker and Julian Castro failing to qualify and Kamala Harris recently dropping out of the race, and recent entrant Michael Bloomberg also failed to make the cut.
3. One-term Biden?
Former vice president Joe Biden, who enjoyed his best debate so far, has faced questions about his age throughout the campaign – and there has been speculation that the 77-year-old could make a one-term pledge.
Asked about Barack Obama's suggestion that many of the world's problems stem from "old people, usually old men, not getting out of the way," Biden said, "I'm guessing he wasn't talking about me."
Senator Bernie Sanders (R) speaks as former vice president Joe Biden listens during the Democratic debate in Los Angeles, U.S., December 19, 2019. /Reuters Photo
However, he refused to say he would stand for a second term if elected.
"No, I'm not willing to commit one way or another. I'm not elected to one term yet. Let's see where we are, let's see what happens."
Sanders, the oldest candidate, said the issue was "where power resides in America… We are living in a nation increasingly becoming an oligarchy." Warren, who would be the oldest president inaugurated if elected, noted: "I'd also be the youngest women ever inaugurated."
4. Splits on trade and healthcare
The USMCA trade pact, passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday, only came up briefly but illustrated a divide between the candidates.
Sanders said "we need a trade policy that stands up for workers, stands up for farmers" and added he would not vote in favor of USMCA in the Senate.
Fellow senator Klobuchar, a more moderate candidate, said she would back the trade deal.
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang (R) listens to former vice president Joe Biden during a break in the Democratic debate in Los Angeles, U.S., December 19, 2019. /Reuters Photo
Biden stayed largely above the fray for the first stages of the debate, but clashed angrily with Sanders on healthcare.
The former vice president, who supports a public option building on Obamacare, said Sanders' Medicare for All plan was not realistic.
Warren, who has been hurt by her commitment to Medicare for all, insisted, "I want to do the most good I can for the most people as quickly as possible."
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
