What Went Down On Night One Of The Second Democratic Debate

Maybe they are leaning into it too hard. But it seems to me that they are probably playing an elite endorsement game, trying to get more endorsements from progressive officeholders and organized groups. That might be more important in primaries than general polls of the electorate. I hope this answer does not get me fired from FiveThirtyEight forever.

Public opinion does seem somewhat malleable on Medicare for All and the public option, Sarah — so maybe Warren and Sanders are hoping that by leaning into Medicare for All, they can allay some of voters’ concerns. It is a risk, though, especially because people are wary about big changes to something as critical as their health care coverage.

I understand Warren’s desire to paint health care as a human right. But do we think that Warren and Sanders are perhaps leaning in too hard when it comes to Medicare for All, especially when there are signs that it’s becoming less popular?