Here’s What You Missed on the First Day of the Democratic Presidential Debate
In case you missed it, Wednesday night was the first of two Democratic presidential debates in Miami, and a lot happened. Beto O’Rourke argued with Texas congressional colleague Julian Castro over immigration, Senator Elizabeth Warren finally endorsed Medicare for all, and several candidates shone in their first introduction to a national audience – while others struggled to do so. to make their voices heard in the sea of candidates.
Beto O’Rourke discusses health issues with Bill de Blasio
In the first heated debate of the night over healthcare, Mayor Bill de Blasio met with O’Rourke, who supported the role of private insurance. “Private insurance doesn’t work for tens of millions of Americans when you talk about co-payments… insurance premiums, personal expenses – it doesn’t work,” de Blasio said to loud applause.
Elizabeth Warren Supports Medicare for All
When candidates were asked if they were willing to ditch their private insurance plan in favor of a universal health plan, Warren was one of two candidates on the scene who raised their hand. (The other was de Blasio.)
While Senator Elizabeth Warren has long tiptoed support for Bernie Sanders’ Medicare plan on all issues, she was clear in the debate.
“Look at the business model of an insurance company. This is to bring in as many dollars and premiums as possible, and pay as few dollars for medical care as possible. That leaves families with soaring premiums, increased co-payments, and struggles with insurance companies to try and get the health care their doctors say they and their children need. Medicare for All solves this problem. ”
Amy Klobuchar pushes Jay Inslee to abandon women’s rights fight
When asked about the role of private insurance in health care, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee broadened the discussion by bragging about his abortion rights and women’s right to choose. “I respect all goals and plans here, but we have one candidate who really promoted the ball,” Inslee said.
In response, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar corrected the Governor. “I just want to say that there are three women here who fought pretty hard for the right to choose a woman.”
Tulsi Gabbard answered questions about her anti-LGBTQ reputation
Hawaii-based congressman Tulsi Gabbard has long faced criticism for her past anti-LGBT rhetoric, including her previous work with an anti-LGBT organization and opposing same-sex marriage.
“Let me say that in our government, at any level, there is no one who has the power to tell any American who they should be allowed to love or whom they should be allowed to marry. My track record in Congress for over six years shows my commitment to the fight for LGBTQ equality. “
Beto O’Rourke discussed immigration with Julian Castro
Congressman Julian Castro sparred with O’Rourke, discussing the detention of children at the border and the recent deaths of Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and Valeria Ramirez.
Castro wants to repeal Section 1325 of the Immigration and Citizenship Act, a law that criminalizes “improper entry” into the United States; O’Rourke is not in favor of repeal, arguing that criminal offenses should remain to deal with human trafficking and drug smuggling. (In response, Castro argued that these issues are already being addressed by other sections of the same law.)
“If you did your homework on this issue, you would know that we should cancel this section,” Castro said to O’Rourke.
The candidates named the biggest threat to our country
The final question of the evening, posed to the candidates, is afamiliar one : what is the biggest geopolitical threat to our country? Unsurprisingly, there was a different set of responses among the candidates.
- Former Maryland Congressman John Delaney called China an economic threat and a nuclear weapon.
- Inslee said President Trump (to applause).
- Gabbard claimed to be nuclear war.
- Klobuchar said that China and relations with Iran.
- Both O’Rourke and Warren talked about climate change.
- New Jersey Senator Corey Booker said nuclear proliferation and climate change.
- Castro said China and climate change.
- Ohio State Congressman Tim Ryan said China.
- De Blasio said to Russia (also to applause).
Honorable mentions
Klobuchar made aninteresting comparison regarding President Trump’s early promise to cut pharmaceutical prices. “This is what we call all the foam without beer at home.”
O’Rourke answered a few questions in Spanish; during one answer, Booker observes in apparent confusion, which spawns several memes .
In his closing statement, Castro saidgoodbye to Trump.