2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Jay Inslee Statement on the Second Night of Democratic Presidential Debates

Jay Inslee Statement on the Second Night of Democratic Presidential Debates

Miami, FL – Following the second night of Democratic presidential debates, Governor Jay Inslee released the following statement:

"My top priority is clear: climate change. Defeating the climate crisis requires a full, national mobilization and a president who will make it job number one. I will make it the first, foremost, and paramount duty of my administration – not just year one, but every year.

"Unfortunately, tonight we had another debate that de-prioritized the existential crisis of our time, sidelining it as a single issue among many, rather than an umbrella issue that touches everything we care about.

"Fifteen minutes in four hours of debate is not enough time for candidates to put forward the bold plans needed to defeat climate change. Last night, climate voters had to wait 82 minutes for a question to be asked; tonight it was 78 minutes. That is not acceptable.

"We do need to return to the Paris Agreement and undo Donald Trump's damage, but we need so much more than that. Simply resetting the clock back to 2016 will not match the scientific imperative we face. This existential crisis demands that we get beyond basic talking points, and into substantive details of climate plans.

"We need a full debate on this issue. I urge all of my fellow candidates to join the grassroots call for a climate debate. It’s clearer now than ever that the status quo is not working. Voters deserve more."

Governor Steve Bullock Responds to Democratic Debates

Governor Bullock Responds to Democratic Debates

New York, NY – After the end of the Democratic debates in Miami, Governor Bullock released the following statement:

“Over the last two nights, it was clear that these debates were missing an important voice. As the only candidate who’s won and governed a Trump state — and the only one who’s passed progressive policies through a majority-Republican legislature even in these divided times — I can tell you that we can’t discount these perspectives if we’re ever going to beat Trump and get America back on track. I look forward to joining my colleagues in Detroit next month to discuss our plans to bring all Americans together to ensure a fair shot for everyone.”

Governor Bullock spent the last two days taking his case directly to voters in Iowa and New Hampshire. He participated in televised town halls broadcast by WHO-TV in Des Moines and WMUR in Manchester.

RNC Statement on Day 2 of the Democrat Debate

RNC Statement on Day 2 of the Democrat Debate

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released the following statement in response to the second night of the Democrat primary debate:

"Tonight’s debate was more of the same from Democrats: a broken record of radical policies," said Chairwoman McDaniel. "The Democrat Party’s agenda means taxing more of our hard-earned money to give government control of nearly every aspect of our lives. Democrats support tax hikes on the middle class and taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants. Their policies are extreme and out of touch with the realities facing everyday Americans. Meanwhile, President Trump’s pro-growth policies are working, and he will continue to deliver for the American people when voters re-elect him in 2020."

What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete Buttigieg's Debate Performance. Part 3

What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete’s Debate Performance

"If more guns made us safer, we'd be the safest country on Earth." - @PeteButtigieg nailing it with a one-liner again #DemDebate2” - Lauren Duca

“@PeteButtigieg is the only one talking about defending American values abroad. "And it starts by modeling American values here at home." Amen.” - Josh Rogin

On Twitter:

Lauren Duca @laurenduca: "If more guns made us safer, we'd be the safest country on Earth." - @PeteButtigieg nailing it with a one-liner again #DemDebate2

Moms Demand Action @MomsDemand: .@PeteButtigieg is right: the vast majority of Americans want #SmarterGunLaws like background checks on all gun sales. In fact, poll after poll demonstrates overwhelming support by Americans for requiring background checks on all gun sales, including the majority of gun owners.

Face The Nation @FaceTheNation: *FOREIGN POLICY SOUNDBITE* @PeteButtigieg criticizes the Trump Doctrine: "We have no idea which of our most important allies we'll have pissed off most" by 2020.

Josh Rogin @joshrogin: .@PeteButtigieg is the only one talking about defending American values abroad. "And it starts by modeling American values here at home." Amen.

Emma Green @emmaogreen: While the other candidates gestured at American values and the country's torn moral fabric, Buttigieg is by far the Democratic presidential candidate most comfortable using the language of faith--and arguing that Republicans are no longer the party of God.

David Hogg @davidhogg111: No mention of Master Sergeant Micheal B. Riley or Sergeant James Johnston who both died last Tuesday in Afghanistan. Or the fact we’ve been in a war for 18 years now in Afghanistan. Only person that came close to mentioning it was @PeteButtigieg

Lauren Hogg @lauren_hoggs: All I know is that out of everyone up on that stage the only individual who has made a genuine effort to see what they can do to prevent gun violence by talking to survivors including myself is @PeteButtigieg. And that was long before he announced he was running.

Ezra Levin @ezralevin: .@PeteButtigieg's #1 legislative priority is fixing democracy. He's the only one on stage tonight to say this.

Brian Tyler Cohen @briantylercohen: @PeteButtigieg: “If more guns made us safer, we’d be the safest country on earth. It doesn’t work that way.” Spot on.

Benjamin Wittes @benjaminwittes: Mayor Pete stays. He’s really interesting and genuine and different.

Zach Wahls @ZachWahls: "If more weapons made us safer, the United States would be the safest country on Earth." - @PeteButtigieg. Great line.

Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: If more guns mattered, "we'd be the safest country on earth,'' great line from Afghanistan veteran @PeteButtigieg, "somebody who trained on weapons of war." No one else on stage can make that claim -- effective.

Ameshia Cross @AmeshiaCross: @PeteButtigieg just got a donation from me. This is what a leader looks like. Go ahead Mayor Pete! You deserve to be on that stage.

Sarah Silverman @SarahKSilverman: Mayor Pete Yas “if more guns made us safe we’d be the safest country in the world” #DemDebate2

Melissa Colorado @melissacolorado: Still can’t forget this @PeteButtigieg moment. This question would have stumped many seasoned mayors or governors. He handled it with sincerity. #DemocraticDebate2020 #demdebates2

Ali A. Rizvi @aliamjadrizvi: Pete Buttigieg is physically incapable of saying anything that isn’t articulate, intelligent, and persuasive. #DemDebate2

Seth MacFarlane @SethMacFarlane: @PeteButtigieg Best answer to that question, and hey, funniest too.

Allison Winn Scotch @aswinn: I'm so glad that Maddow pointed out @PeteButtigieg's military record. He brings a unique perspective to the job, and also, I admire the hell out of it. He enlisted after Harvard and Oxford! The uniqueness of that decision speaks to his character

Sean Shaw @SShawFL: The answer that @PeteButtigieg gave re: the tragedy in his commmunity (sic) encapsulates everything I like about him...smart, thoughtful, honest, and authentic. #demdebate #teampete #democraticdebate

Don Beyer @DonBeyerVA Our relationship with the entire world needs to change. It's time to pass the torch to a new generation, and that is @PeteButtigieg. #DemDebate #TeamPete

Donald Trump Campaign Statement on Night Two of 1st Democrat Debate

Donald Trump Campaign Statement on Night Two of 1st Democrat Debate

“The cast of characters may have changed, but the second night’s script was eerily like the first: a two hour-long infomercial for President Donald J. Trump's re-election campaign. All of the Democrats tripped over each other in a race to see who could stand out as the most leftist candidate, threatening government control of every aspect of people’s lives. We are many months away from seeing who the Democrat nominee will be, but one thing is clear -- President Trump will be the hands-down victor after each and every Democrat debate.”

Kayleigh McEnany, National Press Secretary

What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete Buttigieg's Debate Performance. Part 2

What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete’s Debate Performance

“Good for Mayor @PeteButtigieg to speak to rural America... says they should be a part of the solution, instead of being told they're the problem.” - Maria Shriver

“I can't stop thinking about Pete Buttigieg's answer to that question. It was completely unexpected. Vulnerable, honest, heartfelt, and not one bit of cowardice in it. It was a leader's answer.” - Charlotte Clymer

On Twitter:

Elena Schneider @ec_schneider: Buttigieg is the first to bring up rural communities over the last two nights.

Hari Sevugan @HariSevugan: .@PeteButtigieg passed his first real test. His authenticity and humility carried the day. #DemDebate

NRDC Action Fund @NRDC_AF: @PeteButtigieg is right. Rural America has a big role to play in solving the climate crisis and preserving healthy agriculture! Here's more on his plan: on.nrdc.org/2Nd1eK1 #DemDebate

Ben LaBolt @Ben LaBolt: Mayor Pete is just so goddamn reasonable. I love the dose of Midwestern sensibility in this race.

Jonathan Capehart @CapehartJ: Don't underestimate the importance and power of @PeteButtigieg saying Eric Logan's name.

Zach Wahls @ZachWahls: That was a solid-A answer from Mayor Pete.

Hari Sevugan @HariSevugan: .@PeteButtigieg passed his first real test. His authenticity and humility carried the day. #DemDebate

Charlotte Clymer 🏳️‍🌈 @cmclymer: Holy shit, that was a hell of an answer from Pete Buttigieg. #DemDebate2

deray @deray: I spoke with Buttigieg last night about police violence. I’m looking forward to seeing Pete release South Bend’s Use of Force Policy. It will be important to see how he handles this in South Bend. #DemDebate2

Zack Ford @ZackFord: "I couldn't get it done." @PeteButtigieg displays great humility as he explains the way he wishes he could end police-involved violence against black people. #DemDebate

Sasha Samberg-Champion @ssamcham: What a novel thing for a politicsn (sic) to say "I didn't get it done."

Edward Bowser @etbowser: I appreciate Buttigieg's honesty and sincerely. Two words that are an endangered species in 2019. #DemDebate2

Don Beyer @DonBeyerVA: I appreciate @PeteButtigieg's frank words on the systemic racism in policing. Under a Buttigieg presidency, this country will work toward bringing down the "wall of mistrust" between the African American community and the police. #TeamPete

Charlotte Clymer 🏳️‍🌈@cmclymer: I can't stop thinking about Pete Buttigieg's answer to that question. It was completely unexpected. Vulnerable, honest, heartfelt, and not one bit of cowardice in it. It was a leader's answer. #DemDebate2

Sean Shaw @SShawFL: I am not getting good service but I had to step outside of the debate hall to say this...@PeteButtigieg is crushing it! #demdebate #teampete

Sunny Hostin @sunny: YES Mayor Pete. YES. @PeteButtigieg

Zach Wahls @ZachWahls: Mayor Pete is totally right about the role of Rural America in preventing and mitigating climate change.

Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: Another saavy line not often heard from Dem 2020 candidates comes from @PeteButtigieg, talking about climate change: "Rural American can be part of the solution, instead of being told they're part of the problem." #DemDebate

Maria Shriver @mariashriver: Good for Mayor @PeteButtigieg to speak to rural America... says they should be a part of the solution, instead of being told they're the problem #demdebate2 #democraticdebate

What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete Buttigieg's Debate Performance

What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete’s Debate Performance

“Sitting at a bar in Grinnell, Iowa with a bunch of local Dems. Buttigieg's religious answer first one of the night that got everyone applauding.” - Reid Wilson, The Hill

“Mayor Pete calling out the disingenuous religious shroud the @gop wraps themselves in while ripping children out of their mothers’ arms and putting them in cages #DemDebate” - Sarah Silverman

“.@PeteButtigieg just gave a great answer on faith and religion and hypocrisy #DemDebate” - Dr. Jason Johnson

On Twitter:

Ankit Panda @nktpnd: Buttigieg's answer was good — borrowing and expanding on the ideas in his big FP speech a few weeks ago.

Michael Smerconish @smerconish: best answer so far from @PeteButtigieg injecting religion into immigration conversation

Bakari Sellers @Bakari_Sellers: Oh @PeteButtigieg just said GOP doesn’t mean Gods Only Party. Pete is a relatable brilliant guy.

Josh Rogin @joshrogin: .@PeteButtigieg gets the China challenge. He pointed out that Beijing is using technology to spread its authoritarian model and called for America to fix its own model to better compete. Well done.

Dan Merica @merica: Buttigieg, in arguably his best received moment of the campaign, lambasted the GOP touting their close ties to Christian leaders at the same time that they are separating families at the border and putting children into detention centers. "We should call out hypocrisy," he said.

Frank Luntz @FrankLuntz: Mayor Pete just delivered his best lines of the #DemDebate by contrasting the GOP’s purported religious values with their support of forcibly separating children from their parents at the border. It is worthy of a 30 second ad.

Reid Wilson @PoliticsReid: Sitting at a bar in Grinnell, Iowa with a bunch of local Dems. Buttigieg's religious answer first one of the night that got everyone applauding.

Jason Johnson @DrJasonJohnso: @PeteButtigieg just gave a great answer on faith and religion and hypocrisy #DemDebate

Palmer Report @PalmerReport: Pete Buttigieg just dropped a righteous bomb on the Republican Party.

Xorje Olivares @XorjeO: Buttigieg REALLY has a nice way of incorporating SOOO many nuances to his answers...like right now throwing in religion?? That was quite masterful #DemDebate

Sarah Silverman @SarahKSilverman: Mayor Pete calling out the disingenuous religious shroud the @gop wraps themselves in while ripping children out of their mothers’ arms and putting them in cages #DemDebate

Laura Bassett @LEBassett: Buttigieg is at his best on religious hypocrisy.

Tara McGowan @taraemcg: anyone else notice how @PeteButtigieg just calmed down the stage + room? that was something 💆🏻‍♀️

Preet Bharara @PreetBharara: Mayor @PeteButtigieg on religion and children in cages and hypocrisy: excellent.

Don Beyer @DonBeyerVA: "[A Republican Party that suggests] that God would smile at the division of families -- that God would condone putting children in cages -- has lost all claim to using religious language again." -- @PeteButtigieg

Michael J. O'Loughlin @MikeOLoughlin: Buttigieg’s ease with talking about faith and progressive values helps him stand out in this field.

Brian Beutler @brianbeutler: It is very refreshing to hear a Dem candidate (@PeteButtigieg) implore people in public life to treat Republican claims to religious virtue as a crock.

Glynda Carr @glyndacarr: .@PeteButtigieg effectively brought his faith to #demdebate and proposed a faith in action approach.

Katie Couric @katiecouric: The senior superlative for most articulate debater goes to...@PeteButtigieg #DemDebate2

Kurt Bardella @kurtbardella: Every time @PeteButtigieg speaks - I think to myself “damn, that dude is smart” bet I’m not the only one ... #MayorPete #DemocraticDebate #DemDebate2

What They're Saying About Pete Buttigieg After the First Commercial Break in Tonight’s Debate

Reviews in from First Commercial Break on Mayor Pete’s Debate Performance

“On healthcare @PeteButtigieg brings the reasonable and the personal together in a highly intelligent & relatable answer” - Preet Bharara

““Our country is healthier when everybody is healthier.” —hardest question in two nights and @PeteButtigieg nails it.” - Hugh Hewitt

“.@PeteButtigieg it needs to be more affordable to go to college but also needs to be more affordable NOT to go to college. Lots of applause” - Ilyse Hogue

On Twitter:

Hugh Hewitt @hughhewitt “Our country is healthier when everybody is healthier.” —hardest question in two nights and @PeteButtigieg nails it. Not sure where country polls on health care for the undocumented, but the mayor had no trouble with the curve. Then @joebiden agrees with him, then adds 3x right.

EJ Dionne @EJDionne Buttigieg also having a good night so far. He seems on his game after a very difficult week for him — and for the people of his city. #DemocraticDebate

Preet Bharara @PreetBharara On healthcare @PeteButtigieg brings the reasonable and the personal together in a highly intelligent & relatable answer

Preet Bharara @PreetBharara: Mayor @PeteButtigieg turned around a tough question on college debt

Nicholas Kristof @NickKristof: There's an incentive in this debate format to pander, because it's easy to make large promises that get applause, and not a lot of time for nuance and accountability. @PeteButtigieg overcome that and had an excellent crowd-pleasing answer for why he opposes free college.

Hugh Hewitt @hughhewitt Well @PeteButtigieg will have to be shut down by all the other Ds since he makes all of them —save @AndrewYang— seem inarticulate. Wow.

Nicholas Kristof @NickKristof: I was very glad that @PeteButtigieg raised the issue of those who don't go to college. Even now, 1 in 7 Americans don't graduate even from high school. We have to do better for the majority of Americans who never graduate from college.

Ross Douthat @DouthatNYT Buttigieg is, in fact, pretty good at this.

Nicholas Kristof @NickKristof There's an incentive in this debate format to pander, because it's easy to make large promises that get applause, and not a lot of time for nuance and accountability. @PeteButtigieg overcome that and had an excellent crowd-pleasing answer for why he opposes free college.

Maria Shriver @mariashriver Mayor @PeteButtigieg's answer on college affordability is smart, including bringing up an option for those who don't want to go to college. Good to include them, too #democraticdebate #demdebate2

Joy Pullmann @JoyPullmann: Good line from @PeteButtigieg: We need to not only make it more affordable to go to college, we need to make it more affordable to not go to college.

Ilyse hogue @ilyseh: .@PeteButtigieg it needs to be more affordable to go to college but also needs to be more affordable NOT to go to college. Lots of applause #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate

Florida Democrats @FlaDems: @PeteButtigieg “yes it needs to be affordable to go to college, but it also needs to be affordable to not go to college. We need to raise the minimum wage” 👏 #DemDebate2

Victory Fund @VictoryFund: .@PeteButtigieg just took the stage in Miami, becoming the first LGBTQ person to participate in a presidential debate. Regardless of who you support for president, Pete is about to reach Americans from all walks of life and change hearts and minds along the way. #ElectLGBTQ

Kurt Bardella @kurtbardella: @PeteButtigieg gave a great answer on #CollegeTuition ... I think as the night progresses, people watching will be thinking to themselves #PeteButtigieg have a great answer on ... that could be one of the post #DemocratDebate takeaways - #MayorPete being the most consistent

James Oliphant @jamesoliphant: Buttigieg calm and level headed among the shouting match

Ameshia Cross @AmeshiaCross: @PeteButtigieg is pragmatic and smart. Weaving his passion and personal story into healthcare reform is powerful. Mayor Pete's authenticity is always a plus #DemDebate

Don Beyer @DonBeyerVA: Thank you @PeteButtigieg for your thoughtful vision on the future of healthcare. Americans should have the freedom to do what is medically right and not live in financial fear. #DemDebate

Hugh Hewitt @HughHewitt “Our country is healthier when everybody is healthier.” —hardest question in two nights and @PeteButtigieg nails it. Not sure where country polls on health care for the undocumented, but the mayor had no trouble with the curve. Then @joebiden agrees with him, then adds 3x right.

Mike Gravel Campaign Airs First Nationwide Ad on Second Night of June DNC Debate

Mike Gravel Campaign Airs First Nationwide Ad on Second Night of June DNC Debate

MIAMI, FLORIDA -- Tonight, the Gravel campaign will be airing its first national ad buy on MSNBC and NBC’s digital platforms and streaming partners. The thirty-five seconds ad highlights Sen. Gravel’s “greatest hits” from his 2008 debate appearances, and calls on viewers to help put the senator back on the debate stage.

In the spot, Gravel calls out the American war machine and the racist “War on Drugs”, and speaks with horrifying prescience on the impending climate catastrophe and the humanitarian crisis at the Southern border. Although the ad recalls his remarks in debates eleven years ago, his answers are more relevant than ever, and much more incisive than what most of his competitors dare to say on similar subject matters.

“I’m ashamed as an American to be building a fence on our southern border,” Gravel says in the ad, with an answer putting him ahead morally of other 2008 and 2020 candidates, “that’s not the American that I fought for.”

While the debate airs and streams nationwide, the Gravel campaign will be live tweeting responses from the candidate and campaign-runners, as well as releasing videos and graphics to supplement the campaign’s position on vital issues.

Julián Castro Takes Texas Road Trip Following Democratic Debate from Friday, June 28 to Monday, July 1, 2019

Julián Castro Takes Texas Road Trip Following Impressive Democratic Debate Performance

MIAMI, FL (June 27, 2019) – On Friday, June 28, presidential candidate and former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Julián Castro, will tour the Homestead juvenile immigration detention facility with Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, before returning to his home state of Texas for additional events throughout the weekend. Specific details for these campaign events can be found below.

In Wednesday night’s first Democratic debate, Secretary Castro was widely praised for his grasp of complex issues, including immigration, climate change, gender equality, reproductive justice, policing, and gun reform. Secretary Castro also denounced the Trump administration’s cruel immigration practices, such as family separation, the ‘remain in Mexico’ policy, and the ‘metering’ of asylum seekers--which contributed to the death of a father and daughter attempting to seek asylum earlier this week. In recent weeks, Secretary Castro, the former Mayor of San Antonio, has unveiled a series of comprehensive People First platforms on Housing, Immigration, Education, Policing, and Lead Exposure.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Visit to Homestead Detention Facility with Rep. Mucarsel-Powell
WHAT: Visit to Homestead Detention Facility with Rep. Mucarsel-Powell

WHERE: 960 Bougainville Blvd., Homestead, FL

WHEN: TOMORROW - Friday, June 28, 2019 - 8:30 AM EST
Speaking program begins - 9:30 AM EST

Austin Meet & Greet with Secretary Julián Castro
WHAT: Austin Meet & Greet with Secretary Julián Castro

WHERE: Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River St, Austin, Texas 78701

WHEN: TOMORROW - Friday, June 28, 2019 at 7:00 PM CST

WHO: Secretary Castro will join supporters in Austin for a meet and greet

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

San Antonio Family Pride with Team Julián
WHAT: San Antonio Family Pride with Team Julián

WHERE: Crockett Park, 1300 N Main Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78212

WHEN: Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11:00 AM CST

WHO: Secretary Castro will join supporters in his hometown to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community as part of the “Pride Bigger Than Texas” festival.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Harris County Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Speaker Series with Julián Castro
WHAT: Harris County Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Speaker Series with Julián Castro

WHERE: St. John's Church, 2019 Crawford St., Houston, Texas 77003

WHEN: Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 2:00 PM CST

WHO: Julián Castro joins the Harris County Democratic Party as part of their Presidential Candidate Speaker Series.

MONDAY, JULY 1

Frisco Democratic Club Town Hall with Secretary Julian Castro
WHAT: Frisco Democratic Club Town Hall with Secretary Julian Castro

WHERE: Collin College, Preston Ridge Campus, Conference Center 9700 Wade Blvd, Frisco, Texas 75035

WHEN: Monday, July 1, 2019 at 12:00 PM CST

WHO: Julián Castro joins the Frisco Democratic Club Town Hall for a meeting with local voters

United Fort Worth’s Road to 2020 with Secretary Julian Castro
WHAT: United Fort Worth’s Road to 2020 with Secretary Julian Castro

WHERE: La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth, 4200 S. Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76115

WHEN: Monday, July 1, 2019 at 6:00 PM CST

WHO: Julián Castro joins United Forth Worth and local voters to discuss key issues facing their community