Democratic Primaries
Related: About this forumDemocratic Primary Debate: Final Grades for Every Candidate
After the two night, six hour marathon of the Democratic 2020 primary debates in Detroit, the dust has settled. Here, Rolling Stone presents our consolidated letter grades for the performance of all 20 candidates, over both nights, assessing the contenders effectiveness of message, their clarity of purpose, the sting of their attacks, and their success in avoiding gaffes, self-owns, and face-plants.
Elizabeth Warren: A
Warren delivered another commanding debate performance. She made the case for Democrats to stir the passions of their base by choosing a candidate and a platform worth fighting for. Taking an implicit dig at Biden and the caution that girds his case, Warren said: We cant choose a candidate we dont believe in just because we are scared. Under constant attack from cant-do moderates who claimed her plans were impossible Warren shot back, targeting John Delaney in particular: I dont understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running for president of the United States just to talk about what we really cant do and shouldnt fight for, she said. I dont get it.
Bernie Sanders: A-
On the first night in Detroit, Sanders stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Warren, fending off centrist attacks and fear-mongering about his signature legislation, Medicare For All. Dismissing these critics as lacking heart and being wrong on the particulars, Bernie barked I wrote the damn bill! Standing next to the young Pete Buttigeig (the millennial who flexed that hed only be in his 40s come 2030) Bernie appeared sharp and nimble, helping put to rest questions about the 77-year-olds staying power. Like Warren, Sanders benefited from a favorable draw, as both progressives got to tee off on centrist candidates who are languishing at the back of the pack.
Cory Booker: A-
Booker made a case for joining the top tier of candidates, preaching unity and optimism, but still stripping the bark off Biden for the former vice presidents role in creating Americas tragedy of mass incarceration. Sir, you are trying to shift the view from what you created, Booker told Biden, directly. There are people right now in prison for life for drug offenses because you stood up and used that tough on crime phony rhetoric that got a lot of people elected but destroyed communities like mine.
Jay Inslee: A-
Inslee created a moment on his signature issue by confronting Biden on climate change, insisting that true realism in responding to the crisis is accepting the life-and-death stakes the world is now presented with: Survival is the plan we need, he said. Wearing Clark Kent specs, Inslee also broadened his message to voters, playing up his many progressive wins as governor of Washington state that hed like to bring to Washington D.C.
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https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/july-democratic-primary-debate-final-grades-866347/
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)the moderators and the networks.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(108,051 posts)They seemed more interested in stirring up fights between candidates than focusing on issues.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)you are being exceptionally generous.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
onetexan
(13,043 posts)"disastrous debate performance in June" for Biden? Clearly biased.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(108,051 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
TexasTowelie
(112,252 posts)After reading this critique, I now recall why I stopped buying their rag.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)Breathless Breaking News Cable Infotainment Channels who need to fill airtime between ads for drugs we never knew we needed, RS needs to fill column inches with opinion. Just another talking head from where I sit.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
TexasTowelie
(112,252 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
George II
(67,782 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)Opinions are like a__holes; everybody's got one
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
TSIAS
(14,689 posts)Somehow Harris received a higher grade than Gabbard. And Delaney got a D. Whether or not you like his politics, Delaney will be sought after for a role in the Administration if he is unable to secure the nomination.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
theaocp
(4,241 posts)He likes to cry to conservatives when progressives kick his ass in front of the world. Sad, little man.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
jcgoldie
(11,631 posts)I'd say spot on with the top 4... Williamson's too high, maybe Bullock too, a little rough on Bennet and Delaney should fail is my opinion.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided