Democratic Debate: Night One July 2019
The night started out with the moderators asking the candidates about the most pressing issues regarding immigration, the situation unfolding at the border, treatment of migrant children, tensions with Iran, climate change, and the economy.
Night one included: Author and Activist Marianne Williamson, Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Former Maryland Rep. John Delaney, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock.
Everyone tuning into the debate expected Warren and Sanders to butt heads, but instead they formed their alliance and shut out any argument the moderates posed against them.
The debate, hosted by CNN in Detroit, Michigan opened the big discussions on healthcare, immigration, race relations, and climate change.
The night started with the candidates introducing themselves, each presenting a similar introduction with the same message: getting Donald Trump out of the White House.
The debates started out with the number one issue for Democrats: healthcare. Bernie Sanders was the first one to give the audience his answer to. His plan envisions that all Americans have health coverage and pay nothing when they visit the doctor's office. Delaney has referred to his plan as “political suicide” explaining that his plan will just only get Trump re-elected. Warren came into the conversation and supported Sander’s idea while also making her own argument. Sanders and Warren came to own the entire night.
As the night went on the sharpest disagreements were about healthcare. Candidates gave their own variations on their plans. Mayor Buttigieg pitched his idea, explaining that those who want medicare can get it while others can stick to their private insurance.
Candidates who needed their breakthrough to gain momentum didn’t. Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke has struggled to capture his moment in this crowded field of potential candidates. Amy Klobuchar didn’t get on single moment that would make her memorable.
Mayor Buttigieg also gained attention from his remarks, including a message to Republicans who willingly ignore President Trump's racist statements, but Buttigieg was majorly overshadowed by Warren and Sanders.
Marianne Williamson has been mocked by her message of “love”. Williamson quickly shot that ridicule down when she gave her response on reparations. “It’s not $500 billion in financial assistance, it’s a $200- to $500-billion payment of a debt that is owed,” she said. “We need deep truth-telling when it comes, we don’t need another commission to look at evidence.”
John Delaney proved himself to be one of the strongest moderate voices. While his numbers show that he is such a long-shot candidate, he did have a breakthrough that night.
References: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcript-of-july-democratic-debate-night-1-full-transcript-july-30-2019