2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

What People Are Saying About Cory Booker At Tonight’s CNN Debate in Ohio

What They’re Saying: “Booker’s positivity is shining,” “Dead On,” “This is the Cory Booker I Love”

Newark, NJ — On the largest debate stage in presidential debate history, Cory stood out by standing out as a leader, a unifier, and the adult in the room who refocused the conversation on the issues that matter most.

For yet another debate, Cory showed a national audience that he can unite our country and make real change for Americans who face injustice and seek opportunity.

Here’s what people are saying about Cory Booker’s performance tonight:

Robert Reich
@RBReich: Booker is right that the Dems have to conduct the impeachment process in what appears to be an impartial way, and good to mention morality behind this.
Robert Costa
@costareports: Booker calling for impeachment process to be "honorable." Calls it a "moral moment." Echoes how Speaker Pelosi describes her position -- shrugging off politics, solemn tone.
Megan McArdle
@asymmetricinfo: Booker makes a stirring speech in favor of a non-partisan impeachment process, by far the best answer given to the impeachment question tonight. The question is whether primary voters want an above-it-all conciliator or a partisan no-holds-barred fighter.
Yamiche Alcindor
@Yamiche: Cory Booker getting BIG applauses after saying this: "God bless Kamala but women should not be the only ones taking up this fight (on women's reproductive rights) ... It's because women are people and people deserve to control their own bodies."
Jess Morales Rocketto
@JessLivMo: Excellent way for Booker to talk to voters he wants to talk to while building on Harris' answer. Strong way to talk to women as only he can without being anti-feminist. #DemDebate
Cheryl Strayed
@CherylStrayed: Thank you @CoryBooker for making the point that reproductive rights don't just matter to women. Time for men to STEP UP.
Ilyse Hogue
@ilyseh: "Women are people and people deserve to control their own bodies!" thank you @CoryBooker always speaking truth and making sure that women aren't the only ones speaking about reproductive oppression. #AskAboutAbortion #DemocraticDebate
Maria Shriver
@mariashriver: .@CoryBooker brings up women's reproductive rights, says women are people and people deserve to control their own bodies #DemocraticDebate #DemDebate
Matt Rogers
@Politidope: I'm glad @CoryBooker is in the race. Always a breath of fresh air.
Sally Kohn
@sallykohn: And THANK YOU @CoryBooker for bringing up abortion rights AND saying that it shouldn't just be on women to always bring it up. YES!!!
#DemDebate #DemocraticDebate
Amanda Renteria
@AmandaRenteria: to @CoryBooker who calls out allies “Women should not be the only one taking up this cause!” (Ref: women’s rights) #DemocraticDebate
Valerie Jarrett
@ValerieJarrett: “Women should not be the only ones taking up this fight” @CoryBooker
Michael Skolnik
@MichaelSkolnik: I respect @CoryBooker for defending Joe Biden (that is what all Democrats should do tonight) and as a male ally standing up for women. Dude is solid. #DemDebate
Greg Sargent
@ThePlumLineGS: Terrific @CoryBooker defense of @JoeBiden there. Key point: Don't launder Trump's bad faith lies and disinformation for him! Just don't do it!
Jason Johnson
@DrJasonJohnson: @CoryBooker just gave the BEST answer on Healthcare from that whole segment...
#DemDebate
DanielleMoodie-Mills
@DeeTwoCents: Come on @CoryBooker! That pivot back to women’s reproductive health and playing into #Trump’s hands was GOOOD! #DemDebate #WokeAF
Supermajority
@supermajority: Thanks @CoryBooker, too! You're right—everyone should be talking about this, not just women. #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate
Philippe Reines
@PhilippeReines: .@CoryBooker is 10000% right: @andersoncooper’s question to Joe Biden about ethics charges is exactly why trump makes shit up out of thin air.
The media is so worried about being called liberal they go overboard proving they’re not. In doing so, they are not being journalists.
Patricia Arquette
@PattyArquette: @CoryBooker Thank you for standing up for Women’s rights!
Renee Bracey Sherman
@RBraceySherman: Shoutout to Senator Cory Booker for saying that men need to stand up and fight for access to reproductive rights and not just because people who need and have abortions are related to us. We are human beings. #AskAboutAbortion
Arianna Huffington
@ariannahuff: Great point from @CoryBooker on reproductive rights: "women should not be the only ones taking up this fight” #DemocraticDebate
Freda Moon
@fredamoon: Great, now I want a time machine just so I can go back, take my donation to @PeteButtigieg and give it to @CoryBooker.
Michael Linden
@MichaelSLinden: Agree with @CoryBooker that trade deals need to put workers at the center. Trade deals that empower corporations is just more of the same.
Jason Johnson
@DrJasonJohnson: @CoryBooker raised 2 million in about 10 days by saying whether he wins or loses, the debates are better with his voice in them. He's proved that tonight...
#DemDebate
Assemblywoman Brittney Miller
@BrittMiller4AD5: "....women should not be the only ones taking up this cause or this fight...." -@CoryBooker
My father would've agreed!
#DemocraticDebate #DemDebate
Kelly Dittmar
@kdittmar: Yo. @CoryBooker got the memo. It should not be up to women to address issues of gender equity and reproductive rights. #GenderLens2020 #DemDebate
Zerlina Maxwell
@ZerlinaMaxwell: What Cory just did is so important so don’t miss it.
He said men shouldn’t be allies bc women are our daughters and sisters, it’s because WOMEN ARE PEOPLE #DemDebate
Emma Gray
@emmaladyrose: Very important that Booker is calling out the Hyde Amendment specifically. #DemDebate
Alexis McGill Johnson
@alexismcgill: We cannot let what’s happening to thousands of patients in Cincinnati happen to millions more across the country. Thank you, @CoryBooker. #AskAboutAbortion #DemDebate https://twitter.com/ppmn/status/1184268840290660352
Ilyse Hogue
@ilyseh: .@CoryBooker will create a White House Office on Reproductive Freedom, removing Hyde and calling attacks on reproductive freedom what they are, part of entrenched poverty.
Shauna
@goldengateblond: I so appreciate Booker saying something that’s rarely mentioned: The attack on choice is not just an attack on women (and it is), it’s an attack on the poor. #DemocraticDebate
Catherynne Valente
@catvalente: Again, Booker saying the right thing. It’s real weird that a dude is the one advocating for an office of reproductive rights in the white house. Kamala should have had that. #DemDebate
Yasmin Radjy
@yasminradjy: Omg @CoryBooker is going to create an office of repro policy omg omg #DemDebate THIS IS WHY WE #ASKABOUTABORTION
Ilyse Hogue
@ilyseh: .@CoryBooker will create a White House Office on Reproductive Freedom, removing Hyde and calling attacks on reproductive freedom what they are, part of entrenched poverty.
Policy Matters Ohio
@PolicyMattersOH: Great to hear @CoryBooker talking about raising the minimum wage to $15/hr.
Passing the Raise the Wage Act would give 1.8 million Ohioans a raise by 2025.
#DemocraticDebate

Fight For 15
@fightfor15: In the #DemDebate, Sen. @CoryBooker calls for raising the minimum wage to $15, strengthening unions, and calls for sectoral bargaining so that workers can set minimum standards throughout an industry
These are some of the pillars of the #UnionsForAll platform we're fighting for
SEIU
@SEIU: .@CoryBooker is right to call for sectoral bargaining so working people can bargain better wages and better jobs #UnionsForAll #DemDebate https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EG9hRIUXkAA6sOJ.jpg
UFCW
@UFCW: .@CoryBooker: As president I would strengthen #unions to improve working conditions for all Americans from @UAW workers at @GM to fast food workers leading #FightFor15.
We need to stand up for #UnionsForAll so every American has a living wage in this country. #DemDebate #1u
Randi Weingarten
@rweingarten: Thank you @CoryBooker for the bold statement on unions and the need for sectoral bargaining. #DemDebate #AFTvotes
Robert Reich
@RBReich: Booker puts child poverty on the table. Good! We need to talk about the fact that 1 out of 5 children in America is in poverty -- a scandal in the wealthiest nation in the history of the world.
Rebecca Vallas
@rebeccavallas: Props to @CoryBooker for bringing up child poverty in tonight's #DemDebate.
Reminder of some of what's in his child poverty plan:
- young child tax credit for families with kids under 5
- 30% boost to SNAP
- long-overdue increase in TANF funding
- 7.3 million fewer poor kids
Change.org
@Change: Thank you @CoryBooker for acknowledging this, and for responding to the movement of people led by an 18-year-old child poverty survivor demanding candidates be asked a question about child poverty: http://www.change.org/ChildPovertyQuestionhttps://twitter.com/CoryBooker/status/1184275001899470850
Spotlight on Poverty
@povertynews: "We've had 20 years of presidential debates and we have never talked about the violence in America of #childpoverty." @CoryBooker raises a topic at #DemDebate that deserves so much more attention.
Charlotte Alter
@CharlotteAlter: Booker is the only candidate who has been regularly talking about extreme poverty, not just income inequality #DemocraticDebate
Nicholas Kristof
@NickKristof: Cory Booker is also right that there is good evidence that licensing to own guns (as is the case in 15 states) reduces gun violence.
Everytown
@Everytown: “There are more duck and cover drills and shelter in place drills in America now than fire drills.” - @CoryBooker #DemDebate
75% of high school students cited mass shootings as a primary source of stress. They deserve better.
The Trace
@teamtrace: Cory Booker is highlighting the disproportionate impact gun violence has on low-income communities of color like his at the #DemDebate.
Those communities are tired of being left out of the gun debate. But the tide may finally be turning. https://www.thetrace.org/2019/10/community-gun-violence-democratic-forum/
March For Our Lives
@AMarch4OurLives: There are more duck and cover drills… than fire drills.”
We agree with @CoryBooker – our inability to protect our students and communities from gun violence is sickening. We need comprehensive action to end gun violence in every community.
Newtown Action
@NewtownAction: 11) @CoryBooker was the first to support federal licensing for gun ownership. Here is his comprehensive plan to #EndGunViolence: https://medium.com/@corybooker/corys-plan-to-end-the-gun-violence-epidemic-ab377d9fb112 #DemDebate @CNN @nytimeshttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/EG92ErLXkAAoOUV.jpg
EJ Dionne
@EJDionne: .@CoryBooker is having a very good night. His answer on health care appealed to a lot of Democratic women. A moment ago he gave the strongest shoutout of the night to the unions & their importance.
Maria Shriver
@mariashriver: Bravo @CoryBooker who says we have one shot at making @realDonaldTrump a one term President and how we talk to each other on this stage matters. Bravo! #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate
Matt Rogers
@Politidope: Sending @CoryBooker $10 tonight so he's at the next debate keeping everybody chill again.
Ben Wexler
@mrbenwexler: Sorry but @CoryBooker is massively underrated
Megan McArdle
@asymmetricinfo: Booker makes a stirring speech in favor of a non-partisan impeachment process, by far the best answer given to the impeachment question tonight. The question is whether primary voters want an above-it-all conciliator or a partisan no-holds-barred fighter.
Dave Pell
@davepell: Cory Booker’s strategy is dead-on for the general election.
Come together. Unify. Pull everyone up.
I did not believe that was the winning message at the campaign’s outset, but Cory has convinced me.
Hate, even hate of the other party, plays into Trump’s hands.
Patricia Arquette
@PattyArquette: @CoryBooker Thank you for pointing out that Trump has shown nothing but weakness towards Russia.
Ahmed Baba
@AhmedBaba_: Cory Booker’s positivity is shining particularly bright tonight given the animosity on stage.
#DemDebate
Brittany Packnett Cunningham
@MsPackyetti: I know @CoryBooker decently well, and he genuinely believes in love and community. Him urging us to disagree and push one another with a level of respect isn’t pandering. It isn’t a line. He believes it. And I appreciate him being the adult on that.
#DemocraticDebate #DemDebate
Jerry Avenaim
@avenaim: Cory Booker has great energy tonight. He’s shining bright given the tensions onstage.
#DemocraticDebate #DemDebate
Indivisible Guide
@IndivisibleTeam: .@CoryBooker reminds us that this election is about centering who & what we're for. That's why we asked every candidate running for President to center the issues & focus on defeating Trump in 2020. Learn more about the pledge & take it for yourself here:
Sarah Silverman
@SarahKSilverman: Cory for the end q win #DemDebate
Michael Wear
@MichaelRWear: This is the Cory Booker I love.
Michael Skolnik
@MichaelSkolnik: Cory Booker is one incredible human being. What an amazing closing statement!! #DemDebate
Sally Kohn
@sallykohn: Booker having a great close here with his “common struggles for common purpose” refrain — reminding Americans that heck yeah, we can do great things, and do them together. Honestly, I’m moved.
#DemDebate #DemocraticDebate
Donna Brazile
@donnabrazile: Thank you @CoryBooker for reminding us of the bigger purpose. #DemDebate #DemDebate4

Rep. Ilhan Omar Endorses Bernie Sanders for President

Rep. Ilhan Omar Endorses Bernie Sanders for President

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar announced on Wednesday that she is endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders’ bid for the White House.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Bernie Sanders up close on major policy initiatives,” Rep. Omar said. “This summer, we introduced a bill to cancel all 1.6 trillion dollars in student debt—paid for with a small tax on Wall Street speculation. And this week, we announced another bold plan to provide school meals year-round to every student who wants one. I have seen the values that motivate him and his commitment to building a movement that represents marginalized communities across this country."

“Bernie is leading a working class movement to defeat Donald Trump that transcends generation, ethnicity and geography,” Omar continued. “That is why he is fighting to cancel all student debt. That is why he is fighting to make all school meals universal. That is why he is fighting for a humane immigration policy that treats immigrants as human beings and not criminals. And it’s why Bernie is fighting to end our forever wars and truly prioritize human rights in our foreign policy—no matter who violates them. And it’s why I believe Bernie Sanders is the best candidate to take on Donald Trump in 2020.”

“Ilhan is a leader of strength and courage,” Sanders said. “She will not back down from a fight with billionaires and the world’s most powerful corporations to transform our country so it works for all of us. I’m proud of what we’ve done in Congress, and together we will build a multiracial working class coalition to win the White House.”

Rep. Omar and Sen. Sanders are co-leading several critical pieces of legislation in Congress. They proposed sweeping legislation yesterday to provide free breakfast, lunch and dinner to every student in America, regardless of income. The pair also introduced a landmark bill in June to cancel all student debt and make all public, four-year colleges and universities—as well as community colleges, trade schools and apprenticeship programs—tuition-free and debt-free for all.

Republican Party of Minnesota Statement on Tonight's Debate

Republican Party of Minnesota Statement on Tonight's Debate

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan released the following statement regarding the Democrat Debates:

“Tonight we heard 2020 Democratic presidential candidates try to tell you that their agenda of costly socialist policies, the elimination of fossil fuels, and endless investigations is the right path forward for America. The truth is these policies would destroy our booming economy and change America for the worse. Voters across Minnesota know that President Trump's policies are working for the American people by putting America first so while 2020 Democrats pander to their radical base tonight, Americans continue to rally around President Trump, just like we did last week.”

Steve Bullock Statement on Tonight’s Democratic Debate

Governor Steve Bullock Statement on Tonight’s Democratic Debate

Helena, MT – After another marathon Democratic debate more focused on landing viral soundbites than offering solutions to problems voters face every day, Montana Governor Steve Bullock released the following statement:

“Six debates in and the Democratic Party is still failing to speak to the challenges middle class families face every day. When 40% of Americans wouldn’t have $400 to spare in the event of an emergency, we need to be talking about serious solutions that will make people’s lives better in the here and now — not a decade down the line, and not after a hypothetical political revolution,” said Montana Governor Steve Bullock. “Voters are looking for a leader who isn’t detached from the realities that they face — and with 111 days left until the Iowa Caucus, I’m going to continue taking my case directly to them.”

Cory 2020 Campaign Manager Addisu Demissie Statement on Fourth Democratic Primary Debate

Cory 2020 Campaign Manager Addisu Demissie Statement on Fourth Democratic Primary Debate

Newark, NJ — Cory 2020 Campaign Manager Addisu Demissie issued the following statement on Cory Booker’s performance in the fourth Democratic debate:

“Even on this historically crowded stage but, Cory won the night by standing out as a leader, a unifier, and the adult in the room who refocused the conversation on the issues that matter most.

“Cory was a breath of fresh air on the stage, particularly by coming to Vice President Biden’s defense against Trump’s lies and highlighting issues that aren’t getting enough attention in this presidential campaign, like women’s reproductive health care, strengthening unions, and ending child poverty.

“For yet another debate, Cory showed a national audience that he can unite our country and make real change for Americans who face injustice and seek opportunity.

“As Cory said, the next president ‘is going to have to be one amongst us Democrats that can unite us all, not throw elbows.’”

Republican National Committee (RNC) Statement on the Democrat Debate

RNC Statement on the Democrat Debate

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released the following statement in response to tonight’s Democrat primary debate:

"Tonight, 2020 Democrats doubled down on their radical, socialist ideas that would bring our great American comeback to a halt," said Chairwoman McDaniel. "Their proposals would destroy millions of jobs, kick hundreds of millions off of their health care plans, increase government control over nearly every aspect of their lives – and it would all come at an astronomical cost to taxpayers. This isn’t the direction that Americans want for our country and is precisely why we must re-elect Donald Trump and ‘Keep America Great.'"

Donald Trump campaign statement on October Democrat Debate

Donald Trump campaign statement on October Democrat Debate

“A dozen Democrats stood on stage tonight and made several things clear. They have always wanted to impeach President Trump, they have always wanted to eliminate employer-provided health insurance, they have always wanted to raise your taxes, and they have always wanted to unravel the hottest economy in modern history. Another thing was also clear: Once again, President Trump was the hands-down winner of this debate.”

- Brad Parscale, Trump 2020 campaign manager

Andrew Yang Hosts #AskAndrew 10-Hour Marathon Q&A - Unmoderated and Honest

Andrew Yang Hosts #AskAndrew 10-Hour Marathon Q&A - Unmoderated and Honest

Yang will answer questions live all day on Friday, Oct. 18
The Marathon Q&A will be broadcast across multiple platforms
Time will be allotted for questions on key issues

NEW YORK — Andrew Yang will host an unprecedented marathon online Q&A on Friday, October 18, 2019. He will answer questions live for 10 hours, splitting time between a multiplatform livestream and posting answers online using channels including Twitter’s new Q&A service.

Yang built the beginnings of his campaign on long-form interviews, a format that allows for comprehensive and thoughtful answers that focus on solutions to our problems instead of soundbites. While there are sure to be lighthearted moments, Yang expects to discuss serious issues related to the economy, LGBTQ equality, the environment, health care, the opioid crisis, and education, among other topics raised by voters.

The Q&A will run from 10am through 8pm ET. Participants can access the Q&A from Yang2020.com or the campaign’s channels on Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube. Questions can be submitted at Yang2020.com.

Ohio Republican Party Statement on Fourth Round of Democrat Presidential Debates

Statement from ORP Communications Director Evan Machan

Columbus, OH - Ohio Republican Party Communications Director Evan Machan released the following statement on the fourth round of the Democrat presidential debates:

"As the Democrats become more radical in their progressive ideologies, they move further and further away from what the average American cares about, leaving them in the dust. Ohioans care about job growth, a strong economy, and bringing more money home in each paycheck to care for their families.

Tonight, we saw the Democrats pander to the progressive left during their visit to Westerville, but their vision of the future is a radical one that includes higher taxes, government controlled healthcare, and more government intervention overall. As we saw in 2016, that agenda simply won't win here."

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg At Tonight’s CNN Debate in Ohio. Part 3

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg’s Dominant Debate Performance

“Shining” … “Buttigieg has had the strongest night. Everything else is debatable” … “@PeteButtigieg’s answers on Syria were the most powerful part of the debate so far.” … “This has been @PeteButtigieg’s best #DemDebate performance so far” … “Empathetic, smart and spot on” … “Reasonable and rational” … “@PeteButtigieg is showing that he has another gear tonight” … “Hitting this out of the park”

Newtown Action @NewtownAction: 3) We agree w/ @PeteButtigieg that we are close to passing a ban on assault weapons. We now have 213 cosponsors for #HR1296 & we need 5 more to pass the ban in the House of Representatives. It's up to us to elect Senators & a new President who will pass the ban. #DemDebate

Chris Cillizza @cillizzaCNN: Buttigieg is dominating the debate. Best performance I've seen with possible exception of Kamala Harris in 1st debate

Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: A very good night for @PeteButtigieg, with strong, impassioned arguments on national defense -- reminds about his own deployment, effectively counters @TulsiGabbard re: need for reliable American presence to protect allies in the Mideast #DemDebate

Van Jones @VanJones68: Mayor @PeteButtigieg is showing that he has another gear tonight. #PistolPete

Luke Bronin @MayorBronin: .@PeteButtigieg’s answers on Syria were the most powerful part of the debate so far.

Chris Jansing @ChrisJansing: Pete Buttigieg with the credibility of someone who has been there, making a forceful case for his ability to navigate an increasingly dangerous world. Probably his best debate night

Noah Rothman @NoahCRothman: Buttigieg has had the strongest night. Everything else is debatable.

Jon Ralston @RalstonReports: Mayor Pete is not only doing well, but consistently in four-shot with Bernie, Biden and Warren. As if he is a frontrunner, too.

Luke Bronin @MayorBronin: .@PeteButtigieg’s answers on Syria demonstrate the power of having a veteran in office. Someone who’s served. Someone who knows that our allies put their lives on the line with us. Someone who knows our country is stronger when allies and enemies alike know we’ll keep our word.

Meredith Kelly @meredithk27: Despite Senators & a VP being on the stage, this foreign policy conversation is really benefiting Mayor Pete. Talking about what the American flag on his uniform used to mean to allies and enemies - before Trump - brings the point home. #DemDebate

Molly McKew @MollyMcKew: So far only @PeteButtigieg has articulated any kind of foundational vision for America in the world. The rest of this is just memes.

Frank Luntz @FrankLuntz: This has been @PeteButtigieg’s best #DemDebate performance so far. While other candidates tried to out-left and anti-Trump each other, Mayor Pete came across as reasonable and rational.

Eli Stokols @EliStokols: Strong @PeteButtigieg moment on Syria — he went beyond criticizing Trump’s policy or Gabbard’s position and offered a clear explanation about why the US selling out our allies matters to our own long-term security.

Tal Kopan @TalKopan: Going on attack seems to be working better for Buttigieg than just about any other candidate onstage.

Chris Wilson @chriswilsonDC: Am I right that Buttigieg is the first to ever mention on stage that the Saudis heinously murdered a journalist?

Lorraine Ali @LorraineAli: Mayor Pete's words about the importance of US keeping its word w the Kurds are empathetic, smart and spot on. I say that as an American and an Iraqi. #DemDebate

Peter Fox @thatpeterfox: Mayor Pete. That’s the tweet.

Elex Michaelson @elex_michaelson: .@PeteButtigieg delivering forceful answers tonight. His most effective performance to date. Highlighting the most appealing parts of his bio--veteran, Midwesterner, non-Washingtonian--and showing why that matters in terms of policy.

David Catanese @davecatanese: This is the first night of this campaign I thought: Buttigieg could actually win this thing. Outside chance still + a lot needs to happen. But yeah.

Michael Novogratz @Novogratz: Mayor Pete shining.

Derek McGinty @mcgintyman.@PeteButtigieg may be a small town mayor...but hes looking good on foriegn policy. #DemDebate

Nicholas Kristof @NickKristof: In that foreign policy discussion, the only candidates who seemed credible and ready to receive a 3 a.m. phone call were Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg. The others would be better than Trump, yes, but it's not their strength.

Matt Lewis @MattKLewis: I don't pretend to know how this exchange plays on the left, but...Pete Buttigieg is winning this debate. #DemDebate

Rep. Casey Weinstein @CaseyforOhio: Feeling PRETTY DAMN GOOD about my
@PeteButtigieg endorsement right now.

Adam Wren @adamwren: On the trail, @PeteButtigieg is fond of running metaphors, comparing the race to a marathon. In past debates, it's been like he's drafting in the middle of the pack, careful not to stand out; tonight, he's laying down his kick.