Democrats clash in 2020’s opening debate, aiming at Trump
While the crowded field has been courting voters in key states for several months already, the vast majority of the nation has yet to pay close attention to the ambitious and diverse field. That begins to change when a collection of 10 candidates, led by fiery liberal
The overall field is so large that a second group of 10
The meeting comes at a turbulent time for the nation at home and abroad, the economy strong but strained by the weight of the president's trade wars and the threat of military conflict with
Trump himself will be in the air traveling to
The
On one side: candidates like Warren who are demanding dramatic change that includes embracing liberal policy priorities like free universal health care, debt-free college, a forgiving immigration policy and higher taxes on the rich. On the other: pragmatic-minded
Beyond Warren and Delaney, Wednesday's slate features Sens.
For many of the
It's unclear how aggressively the candidates will attack each other — instead of Trump — as they jockey for position.
While early, time is already beginning to run out for lesser-known candidates who may not qualify for subsequent debates. They need a standout moment to spark a bump in fundraising and polling.
As one of the best-known candidates on stage Wednesday, Warren has an opportunity to further cement her status as a top-tier candidate. Perhaps more than anyone else, she also has a target on her back.
Asked about pressure, she shrugged off her center-stage position.
"This is just a chance to be able to talk to people all across this country about how this government works better and better and better for a thinner and thinner slice at the top, and it's just not working for the rest of America," she said after a Tuesday rally in
"2020's our chance to change that.""
Ahead of the debate, Warren and Klobuchar were visiting a large migrant detention facility in Homestead, about 40 miles southwest of
The stops are intended to draw attention to Trump's immigration policies amid reports that some children separated from their families were being held at a detention center near the
While
Several candidates, led by Biden, prefer other reforms that would give people a government-backed "public option" for health insurance while maintaining the private insurance market. Among Wednesday's class, Delaney in particular has been especially vocal in his criticism of Medicare for All.
With so many
NBC News, which is hosting the debate, said candidates will have 60 seconds to answer questions and 30 seconds for follow-ups. They will be allowed closing statements but no openers.
Trump said he planned to watch the debate from Air Force One.
"Yes everyone said I'll be tweeting, I'll actually be on a plane and it just seems very boring, but I'm going to watch it because I have to," he said on
The debate will unfold as many Democratic voters are just beginning to tune in.
Only 35% of registered
The debate's second night on Thursday features more of the leading
Biden will stand at center stage with Sanders at his left and Mayor
Peoples reported from
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