What Went Down At The Univision Democratic Debate

This debate has made it clear that both Clinton and Sanders want to get to the left of each other on immigration. Not only do Hispanics make up a substantial proportion of the Democratic vote in Florida, but Latinos have shown a willingness to adjust their opinions of politicians based upon their immigration stances. President Obama, for instance, saw a 12 percentage point bounce in his approval rating after signing an executive order offering temporary legal status to immigrants here illegally in 2014. Other Americans barely shifted their view of Obama during the same period, suggesting there was no penalty for Obama for his actions.

While the debate moderators are tapping into the Facebook discussion of the election, check out our map of the Facebook Primary — where, unlike in the actual national vote, Sanders is well ahead of Clinton.

A: David, I actually had the chance to co-moderate one presidential debate quite a while back — the September 2003 Fox News/Congressional Black Caucus debate, which was the first debate for the Democratic candidates that campaign. I think one thing that makes a huge difference is how many people are on stage. There was a cast of thousands — okay, make that nine — when I moderated. As the field shrinks, there is room for moderators to hammer back at candidates when they are evasive, and also more room for cross-talk (gentle or fierce) between candidates. I think the size of the field is as or more important than the moderators. But it’s also appealing to have a moderator who not only has researched intensively but also is willing to fact-check as candidates speak.