Wednesday night’s Democratic debate was a bit more lively than the previous meetings, as the addition of Michael Bloomberg brought new energy and attacks.
Though he’s not on the ballot in Nevada, he was on the stage Wednesday night in Las Vegas, taking hits from the five other candidates, particularly Elizabeth Warren, who pressed him on releasing non-disclosure agreements with female employees who may have been sexually harassed. She also asked what Democrats would want to “substitute one arrogant billionaire for another?”
Amy Klobuchar was a bit more civil, but she hit Bloomberg with a back-handed jab, saying she was happy he was at the debate, adding he “shouldn’t be hiding behind his TV ads.”
Bloomberg attempted to fight off the remarks and focus on Donald Trump, saying, “I’m a New Yorker. I know how to take on an arrogant con man.”
Bernie Sanders, who has surged in polls to become the front-runner, was also the target of attacks, with the other candidates questioning his Medicare for All plan.
Pete Buttigieg took a shot at Sanders and Bloomberg, saying, “Let’s put forward someone who’s actually a Democrat” and went after Klobuchar for not remembering the name of the president of Mexico. Warren came to her defense, saying that “everybody on this stage” has forgotten a name.
Joe Biden also piled on Bloomberg over his “stop and frisk” policy in place when he was mayor of New York, and once again talked up his experience serving as President Obama‘s VP. (Los Angeles Times)
Hot Takes:
- Bloomberg really took a lot of shots from the other candidates.
- Buttigieg and Klobuchar really seem to dislike each other.
- Biden actually put in a strong performance, after poor showings in the primaries and previous debates.