My overall look at the lower-tier candidates:
- Gabbard was poised tonight, and she also ran interference for Biden by attacking Harris' prosecutorial record. I think she might have done enough to get three more qualifying polls for the third debate, as she will probably get 130,000 donors.
- Inslee was also bright, using his gubernatorial record to talk about real action on pardoning drug offenders and opposition to Trump's travel ban from predominantly Muslim countries. Maybe he can get a look for VP as he's unlikely to make the third debate.
- Gillibrand had some strong moments on health care and tried to attack Biden on past comments about women in the home, but it didn't quite hit. Still, even if it didn't help her, it could hurt Biden, and she too is probably on the outside looking in come September's debate.
- Bennet did get a big applause line talking about racial inequity in schooling, but is probably on the VP train as well because he's not making the third debate.
- Lastly, de Blasio had some good moments but he didn't do enough to change his trajectory.