What Went Down At The December Democratic Primary Debate

I think Steyer is actually doing pretty well, all things considered, as is Yang. But the fact that other candidates are also doing well isn’t great for them, since it just makes them look like acceptable alternatives to the higher-polling candidates who voters already like better. I’m sort of waiting to see if we get more conflict — are the gloves going to come off when we get to health care?

Warren’s been decent so far. She’s been talking about corruption, an issue where she can stick to hitting “the wealthy and well-connected” and talk about her wealth tax, which polls well. I’m interested to see what happens when health care gets brought up, since it’s been a problem area for her.

I think Biden has been fine. Kind of unmemorable. But I don’t think there have been major moments for anyone, really. I did think Yang handled the race question very well and Sanders, not so well. But even that was kind of minor.