2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg’s Performance at Tonight’s CNN & Des Moines Register Debate

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

“Very Good on Medicare [Answer]” … “Was Fire!” … “Smart, Savvy Pointed Answer On The Deficit And Healthcare”...“Good For Buttigieg For Explicitly Raising The Issue Of Poverty”....“Buttigieg’s Strongest Suit On Health Care Is His Laser Focus On The ‘everyday Lives’ Of Real People”...“Mayor Pete Is Right - You Can't In Good Faith Argue That Medicare For All Who Want It Is Small Thinking” … “He Seems Like The Clear Choice.”

Photo Courtesy CNN and Des Moines Register

Elex Michaelson @Elex_Michaelson: .@PeteButtigieg's generational contrast is especially evident tonight. He doesn't have the baggage of some past conflicts within the Democratic party & can look more towards the future than the past. #DemDebates

Children’s Defense Fund @ChildDefender: Thank you to @PeteButtigieg for acknowledging that investing—or not investing—in families in poverty is a CHOICE we make every day. We agree that poverty is "something that hasn't come up very much tonight but deserves a lot of attention." #ChildPovertyQuestion

SEIU @SEIU: It doesn't make sense to us either @PeteButtigieg. We can have quality affordable child care and pay child care providers for the valuable work they do. #UnionsForAll

Scot Lehigh @GlobeScotLehigh: Mayor Pete very good on Medicare for Those Who Want it. And debt. #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate

Democratic Mayors @DemMayors: Hats off to Mayor @PeteButtigieg for the important reminder: We can't talk about the high cost of #childcare without acknowledging the significant role it plays in the gender wage gap. #DemDebate

Emmy Rossum @emmyrossum: #Pete drawing the link between childcare and the gender pay gap was fire! #PeteButtigieg #Pete2020

Mike Signer @MikeSigner: .@PeteButtigieg’s strongest suit on health care is his laser focus on the “everyday lives” of real people. It’s what he learned being mayor of a city for 8 years and it’s what he’ll bring to the Oval Office.

Christopher Hale @chrisjollyhale: .@PeteButtigieg is right: Democrats asking other Democrats how they’ll pay for their plans isn’t “using Republican talking points.” It’s asking basic questions that any honest broker of public policy should answer honestly. #DemDebate

Allison Winn Scotch @aswinn: This is a very smart, savvy pointed answer on the deficit and healthcare by @PeteButtigieg. A wide-ranging but still specific answer that nailed it.

Fred Hochberg @fredhochberg: .@PeteButtigieg gets the main issue with trade deals correct that we often overlook –– Washington has consistently failed to address that there will inevitably be losers in trade deals like #NAFTA, #TPP or #USMCA

Bob Duff, Senate Majority Leader, CT @senatorduff: @PeteButtigieg speaks so clearly, ably and succinctly about the issues affecting Americans He will bring confidence here at home and abroad. Support Pete for a brighter tomorrow. Let’s #WinTheEra. Join @PeteForAmerica #DemocraticDebate #DemDebates

Dan Weeks @DemocracyDan: 1 hr into tonight's #DemDebate and still no @CNN questions on #ClimateCrisis, the issue of the century. Thanks to @PeteButtigieg for raising it twice and pledging a unified national project to end fossil fuel dependence at long last. #nhpolitics

Skylar Jordan @SkylarJordan: Mayor Pete is right - you can't in good faith argue that Medicare for all who want it is small thinking. It's a bold and progressive (yet entirely practical) solution to America's healthcare crisis #DemDebate

Will Jawando @willjawando: I was in the White House when we passed #Obamacare and it needed a public option then. Now we need it more than ever. Health care is a human right. #DemDebate @PeteButtigieg

Peter Groff @petercgroff: Good for @PeteButtigieg to bring us back to reality and pragmatism...#DemDebate

Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons @GuthrieGF: 10/ biggest faith moment of the night so far! @PeteButtigieg talks about the Poor People’s Campaign led by @RevDrBarber and @liztheo who are leading a #MoralMarchOnDebate outside the venue right now.

EJ Dionne @EJDionne: “There’s no scripture that says, ‘as you have done unto the middle class so you have done unto me’.” Wherever you stand on free college: Good for Buttigieg for explicitly raising the issue of poverty. #DemDebate

Ameshia Cross @AmeshiaCross: .@PeteButtigieg has a strong early childcare and education plan. He also speaks to something we don't often acknowledge, the real costs for the parents. Women will never recoup the money lost when they are forced to leave their careers because they can't afford childcare

Steve Grossman @SteveGrossmanMA: Proud that @PeteButtigieg is the only candidate tonight as he was during the last debate to raise the critical issue of poverty in America. #DemDebate #PeteButtigieg #PeteForAmerica #Pete2020

Rep. Jason Dunnington @jdunnington: Watching the #DemocraticDebate tonight. I continue to be impressed with the precision and thoughtfulness of @PeteButtigieg. If our country wants someone looking toward its future, not someone settling old scores, he seems like the clear choice.

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg’s Start at Tonight’s CNN & Des Moines Register Debate

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg’s Strong Start at Tonight’s Debate

“Very Powerful Answer on Sending More Troops to Middle East” … “Buttigieg Best First 30 Minutes” ... “Buttigieg Personalizing The Issue of War Was Very Effective” … “So Naturally Eloquent” … First to Make A Case Against Trump on War Tonight” … “With The Credibility Of A Military Veteran, He’s Shining On Foreign Policy” … “Good Answer By Pete on Sending Troops Overseas. Personal And Emotional”

Photo Courtesy CNN and Des Moines Register

Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: -- @PeteButtigieg is alone on #DemDebate stage in his ability to cite personal experiences and references to military deployment in Afghanistan- that gives him a unique vantage point and bolsters his answers on current foreign policy issues.

David Axelrod @davidaxelrod: .@PeteButtigieg personalizing the issue of war to a Navy buddy, achingly walking away from his toddler as he shipped off to Afghanistan was very effective.

Maximillian Potter @maxapotter: .@PeteButtigieg: The candidate who allegedly is the "least experienced"--yet the only one to serve in the US military -- is demonstrating, again, a desperately needed fresh perspective on and a command of foreign policy issues.

Christopher Hale @chrisjollyhale: Thirty minutes in, this is @PeteButtigieg’s best night he’s had on the debate stage so far. With the credibility of a military veteran, he’s shining on foreign policy. #DemDebate

Grist @grist: Pete Buttigieg mentioned climate security in his opening remarks, making him the first candidate to talk climate tonight. #DemDebate

ScotLehigh @GlobeScotLehigh: Mayor Pete makes a good point about Congress not wanting to touch the issue of force reauthorization. And his three-year sunset on such authorizations is smart. #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate

Dan McLaughlin @baseballcrank: Buttigieg makes a solid point that if soldiers have the courage to go to war, Congress should have the courage to vote on it.

Patti Solis @PattiSolisDoyle: Very powerful answer from @PeteButtigieg on sending more troops to Middle East. #DemDebate

Julie Cohen @FilmmakerJulie: Buttigieg's story of a fellow troop leaving his toddler son brings home the high stakes that are a reality of every military action. #DemDebate

Bill Canacci @billcanacci: Good answer about troops by @JoeBiden and @PeteButtigieg Mayor Pete continues to impress. #DemDebate

Scot Lehigh @GlobeScotLehigh: Mayor Pete makes a good point about Congress not wanting to touch the issue of force reauthorization. And his three-year sunset on such authorizations is smart. #DemDebate

Patrick Murphy @PatrickMurphyPA: In times like these, we need a leader who heals divisions rather than creating new ones. @PeteButtigieg has the moral courage necessary to guide our nation forward. I'm excited to watch him lay out his vision for our country's future in tonight's debate! #TeamPete #DemDebate

Ameshia Cross @AmeshiaCross: @PeteButtigieg. We can't keep talking about war in conventional terms when we are in unconventional times #DemDebate

David Kusnet @DavidKusnet: @PeteButtigieg only candidate who can say, "I remember the day we shipped out." Strong attack against Trump reneging on promises to withdraw troops from Middle East & avoid new "endless wars" #DemDebate

Tom Shattuck @tomshattuck: Good answer by Pete on sending troops overseas. Personal and emotional #DemDebate

Esme murphy @esmemurphy: .@PeteButtigieg is so naturally eloquent, evocative image of soldier leaving for war and child “toddling after him”

Adrian Carrasquillo @Carrasquillo: Good shift from Buttigieg to say, hey Trump is actually sending more troops to Middle East after saying he was against wars and would get soldiers out

Rekha Basu @RekhaBasu: Good response by @PeteButtigieg on his understanding of new challenges like #cybersecurity #DemocraticDebate

Chris Cillizza @CillizzaCNN: Buttigieg best first 30 minutes. Warren's best next 20 minutes.

Rose Jackson @Rosejackson3: A reminder through @PeteButtigieg’s #Iran answer, that he is one of the most gifted communicators we have in the field. Connects the wonky “#JCPOA” to the bigger issue and highlights the centrality of collaboration to American security. #DemDebates

Andy Kroll @AndyKroll: .@PeteButtigieg is spot-on with his criticism of Congress writ large — Dems and Republicans — abdicating their responsibility to weigh in on whether to go to war.

Mark Kleinschmidt @MarkforOCClerk: No one on the stage tonight can can speak so eloquently about the challenges faced by real families during deployment. #experinceweneed #judgmentweneed #TeamPete @PeteButtigieg

Erin Schrode @ErinSchrode: "CLIMATE SECURITY." — @PeteButtigieg. I hope ALL candidates recognize the severity of this crisis and take action to safeguard our people and planet. We MUST #ActOnClimate — or face DEVASTATING consequences. Just look at the deadly costly massive tragedy in Australia. #DemDebate

Ameshia Cross @AmeshiaCross: Thank you for bringing up cyber security threats @PeteButtigieg. We can't keep talking about war in conventional terms when we are in unconventional times #DemDebate

Maria Shriver @mariashriver: Smart @PeteButtigieg #DemocraticDebate

Stephen Miles @SPMiles42: .@PeteButtigieg is right, the #IranDeal was working. Trump walked away for no good reason other than he hated Obama and Obama got the deal. And now the world is in a far, far worse place. #DemDebate

Jimmy Santos @JimmySantos: The #AUMF sunset @PeteButtigieg mentions is necessary. It is not a timeline for the enemy to wait, but a requirement for congress to fulfill their constitutional duty to review and affirm US Military (@DeptofDefense) engagement overseas #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate @CNN

Eric Gomez @EricGomezAsia: .@PeteButtigieg references New START (the first time someone has brought it up in a Dem Debate?). Extending the agreement with Russia before it expires in early February 2021 would be an easy and much needed win for arms control. #Cato2020

Ameshia Cross @AmeshiaCross: .@PeteButtigieg unlike Trump, isn't an isolationist. He understands the value of allies in fighting a potentially nuclear Iran. He would not allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon #DemDebate

Tiernan Sittenfeld @T_Sittenfeld: Important and @PeteButtigieg is absolutely right. We need climate security and national security. #ActOnClimate #DemDebate

Mike Signer @MikeSigner: Powerful, personal statement from @PeteButtigieg

Steve Grossman @SteveGrossmanMA: .@PeteButtigieg distinguishes himself in every response on foreign policy as fully prepared to serve as Commander in Chief. #PeteButtigieg #PeteForAmerica #Pete2020

Scot Lehigh @GlobeScotLehigh: More credit to Mayor Pete: He is offering a critique of free trade and the maldistribution of its benefits that is very true. #DemocraticDebate #DemDebate

Ken Harbaugh @Team_Harbaugh: Once again, Pete shows us the wisdom, and empathy, that comes from having been on the receiving end of deployment orders. We are long overdue for that kind of experience in a Commander in Chief.

Trump Campaign to Fly Aerial banner, Run Newspaper Ad Ahead of Debate in Des Moines

Trump Campaign to Fly Aerial banner, Run Newspaper Ad Ahead of Dem Debate in Des Moines

President Donald J. Trump’s re-election campaign is taking to the skies and the pages of The Des Moines Register today to provide counter messaging ahead of the Democrat debate in Des Moines, Iowa. The Trump campaign will promote the President’s support of Iowa farmers by employing aerial advertising across Des Moines for six hours today, while also running a full-page, color newspaper ad to describe the disastrous economic effects of the Democrat agenda.

"As Democrats descend on Des Moines for yet another debate, Team Trump is warning voters the Democrats’ agenda would devastate Iowa's economy,” said Trump 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh. “At the same time, Iowans can rest assured knowing President Trump continues to protect farmers and grow our already strong economy."

The flyover will feature a massive banner reading “TRUMP FIGHTS FOR IOWA FARMERS!” and will take place from 10:30AM - 5:00PM (CT) with a small break in the afternoon.

Deval Patrick Statement on Lack of Diversity in Tonight’s Democratic Debate

Deval Patrick Statement on Lack of Diversity in Tonight’s Democratic Debate

“Tonight, six candidates will take the debate stage, all remarkable public servants. Yet tonight America will not see herself in full.

“The racial and ethnic diversity of the Democratic field, and our willingness to speak directly to issues of racism, has made me proud to be a Democrat and an American. But the debates have stopped either showcasing the field or representing the Nation. Instead of helping Democrats to choose our most compelling nominee from a range of diverse talent, the debates have become an end in themselves, an episode of reality TV with candidates paying more attention to polling numbers and donations than issues and people.

“The candidates in the debate tonight, many of whom are friends, have each overcome struggles of their own. Each believes this is the most consequential election of a generation. And yet no one on that stage knows what it’s like to fear for their safety when pulled over for a routine traffic stop. No one on that stage has ever been questioned about their citizenship or if they’re a “real” American or been followed by store security when shopping. No one has ever asked themselves whether a rejection for a job or an apartment or a loan was because of their race — though millions of Americans still do. Racism is the most consequential unfinished business of America. An election without those issues addressed by all the candidates is not consequential enough.

“There was always going to be a winnowing down of the field. Sadly, three of the four candidates who have most recently left the race have been candidates of color. It concerns me that not being on the debate stage has contributed to that. Surely the leadership of the Democratic Party must now see that the criteria chosen have not served to demonstrate to Democratic voters or to the Nation the breadth and depth of diverse talent in the field, and must reconsider the criteria for participating in, as well as the format for, future debates.

“The remaining candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for president, and in particular, those who have the privilege of being on the debate stage tonight must keep the issues facing people of color in the forefront as we address the future of our country. Racism, environmental justice, economic opportunity, gun safety, health disparities, and mass incarceration cannot be issues reserved for politically comfortable places. We cannot win in November without voters of color, nor should we. More importantly, America cannot win without fully and fairly addressing the unfinished business of race.”

Andrew Yang Raises $750,000 From 20,000 Donations After December Debate

DONATIONS SURGE AFTER ANDREW YANG’S COMMANDING DEBATE PERFORMANCE

NEW YORK — Following Andrew Yang’s commanding debate performance last night, the campaign raised $750,000 from 20,000 donations, a third of which came from new donors. The impressive haul adds to the over 350,000 grassroots donors to the Yang campaign, the vast majority of whom are small-dollar donors.

“The most important thing we can do over the coming weeks is make sure that Iowans and New Hampshirites are hearing Andrew’s message. It’s exciting that voters are seeing much more of Andrew in-person and on TV, but there’s still more to be done — we’ve found that when voters truly listen to what Andrew has to say, they very quickly consider him as one of their top choices. His message, in conjunction with our strong ground-game, spell out tremendous upside for this campaign come February,” said Campaign Chief Nick Ryan.

Today’s fundraising feat comes on the heels of recent fundraising accomplishments, including the campaign’s single largest 24-hour fundraising haul on November 30, when it raised nearly $750,000 online from more than 18,000 contributions.

Last week, the campaign raised $2 million from 65,000 contributions over 10 days while Andrew Yang met with nearly 1,600 Iowans during his first bus tour through the state.

Amy Klobuchar Campaign Raises More Than $1 Million in 24 Hours After December Debate

Amy Klobuchar Campaign Raises More Than $1 Million in 24 Hours After December Debate

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tonight the Amy for America campaign announced that it received more than $1 million in the 24 hours following the sixth Democratic presidential debate in California. The campaign surged in online support with more than 5,500 new website signups and received contributions from thousands of grassroots donors after Amy’s winning performance.

“On last night’s debate stage, Amy Klobuchar proved that she is the candidate who can take on Donald Trump and help Democrats win big up and down the ballot,” said Amy for America Campaign Manager Justin Buoen. “Her message is resonating with Americans who are looking for a President who can bring people together and deliver real results. In the 24 hours following the debate, we have raised more than $1 million, just weeks before the Iowa caucuses. We will continue to build a strong grassroots operation to win in the primary and take on Donald Trump in the general.”

Today, Klobuchar kicked off her For All of America bus tour which includes stops in 27 counties across Iowa in four days. With the release of the DNC debate qualifications this morning, Klobuchar is one of five candidates qualified for the seventh Democratic presidential debate in January.

Bernie Sanders Raises More Than a Million Dollars on Debate Day

Bernie Sanders Raises More Than a Million Dollars on Debate Day

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign on Friday announced that yesterday it raised more than a million dollars from tens of thousands of contributions – the best single debate day for the campaign all year.

“A lot of candidates on the debate stage last night worked hard to convince voters that our leaders must rely on super PACs funded by the wealthy and gather big checks in wine caves to beat Donald Trump in 2020,” Campaign Manager Faiz Shakir said. “Bernie Sanders is proving them wrong every single day. Working class Americans know Bernie is going to stand with them when he’s in the White House because he always has and they’re saying it loudly by pitching in a few dollars when they can. Refusing to take cash from billionaires and CEOs is a key reason why the senator will earn the trust of voters and generate the enthusiasm needed to win the nomination, sweep Donald Trump out of the White House and create a political revolution to transform our country.”

The fundraising total and number of individual donations yesterday was the highest for Sanders’ campaign during a debate day in 2019, which is just the latest sign of the momentum his campaign is seeing all over the country.

 

What They Are Saying About Amyn Klobuchar at the Sixth Democratic Debate in Los Angeles, California

The Reviews Are In: Klobuchar A Clear Winner At The Sixth Democratic Debate

LOS ANGELES, CA — After another standout performance last night from Senator Amy Klobuchar at the sixth Democratic presidential debate in California, numerous outlets, strategists, and media personalities praised her for her strong performance. CNN, Vox, The Daily Beast, Mother Jones, Newsweek, and USA Today all declared Senator Klobuchar as one of the night’s winners, with The New York Times writing, “There was no match for Ms. Klobuchar on Thursday when it came to the electability argument”and The Washington Post writing, “Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) was a standout, consistently strong and agile in her answers, positioning herself as having the capacity to be ‘progressive and practical at the same time.’”

See what others are saying:

CNN: “WINNERS: Amy Klobuchar: The Minnesota senator benefited the most from the smaller number of candidates on stage. She got to talk a LOT more than in past debates and used that time very, very well. She started strong -- outshining her competitors with her answer on how to convince the public that the impeachment was the right move. Time and time again in answer after answer, Klobuchar drove home her basic message: I'm from the Midwest. I'm a woman. I get things done. And, she effectively took it to South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg over his dismissiveness of service in the Senate. An excellent debate performance when Klobuchar really needed one.”

The Daily Beast: “Amy Klobuchar Seizes Her Debate Moment, Crushes It”

The New York Times: “There was no match for Ms. Klobuchar on Thursday when it came to the electability argument.”

The Washington Post: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) was a standout, consistently strong and agile in her answers, positioning herself as having the capacity to be “progressive and practical at the same time.” While she has been slow gaining traction in the polls, I continue to think that Klobuchar is the candidate most likely to pull off a surprisingly strong showing in Iowa.”

Vox: “Amy Klobuchar deserves a closer look from electability-minded Democrats”

USA Today: Winners: Amy Klobuchar: Klobuchar strategically acted as a peacekeeper a few times Thursday, touting her Midwestern roots by stopping a few word-battles between other candidates on stage with a "come on, you guys." She then seamlessly dovetailed into her own stance on the issue.

Newsweek: “Klobuchar found her voice as a moderate candidate with a more relaxed and assured debate performance.”

Politico: “Klobuchar busts out”

Boston Globe: “Amy Klobuchar’s big night on the Democratic presidential debate stage”

McClatchy: “KLOBUCHAR HAS A NIGHT: Amy Klobuchar has consistently performed well in debates, but the game she brought to Los Angeles was unquestionably her best yet. The Minnesota senator owned the first 30 minutes with crisp, detailed answers from how an effective impeachment trial should proceed to leaping at a contrast with Sanders over the bipartisan renegotiated North American trade deal, which she supports.”

Vox: Winner: Amy Klobuchar: A very different Amy Klobuchar was standing on the debate stage Thursday...In her place was a confident Klobuchar who was in a groove all night, with personal anecdotes, quippy one liners about “wind caves,” a snappy moment telling Pete Buttigieg to respect the experience of his fellow candidates onstage, and clear, substantive responses to policy questions.

Wall Street Journal: “Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar came out swinging and landed her punches. Her lengthy exchange with South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg over experience was the first time the debates have gotten below the surface-level questions about age and health. She also showcased her ability to combine humor and sharp words to draw effective contrasts.”

TIME: “Iowa will be the first state in the nation to cast ballots for a Democratic nominee, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar leaned into that fact during Thursday’s debate. “The way we take on climate change in a big way is by talking about what’s happening on the coast as I just did,” the Minnesota lawmaker said, “but also by talking about what’s happening in the midwest — where I’m from. It’s not flyover country to me, I live there. And what we are seeing there is unprecedented flooding.” In her answers, she was more determined than ever to reach midwestern and other blue collar workers, many of which have seen their farm bankruptcies increase by 25% in one year, and extreme rain increase by 50% since 1900.”

FOX 9: “Amy Klobuchar gets some spotlight in Dem debate”

Mother Jones: “Amy Klobuchar seemed like the big winner, relatively speaking. She got plenty of speaking time, she was clearer than usual in her answers, and she did the best job by far of selling a moderate vision without directly attacking Warren or Sanders.”

NBC News: “Klobuchar claims moderate, Midwest bona fides”

New York Magazine: “A candidate who really needed a good debate, Amy Klobuchar, got a lot of airtime and sounded animated and fluid, if a bit over the top in advertising her down-home midwestern humor.”

Star Tribune: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar turns up volume at debate: 'The president is not the king'”

MSNBC: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar: "I know how to win" statewide and in red districts”

NAACP: Thank you @amyklobuchar for raising voting rights. We agree. “You shouldn’t lose your right to vote. Let’s stop the purging. Let’s stop the gerrymandering.” #DemocraticDebate

Tommy Vietor: Klobuchar is having a night

Vanita Gupta: Sen. @amyklobuchar is right: There are forces in America trying to make it harder to vote – and states across the country are attempting to aggressively purge voters from the rolls. Voting should NOT be a use it or lose it right. The voter purges need to end now. #DemDebate

Frida Ghitis: Klobuchar has been very good all along. Not surprising the field is thinning and she’s quietly holding on.

Maria Shriver: @amyklobuchar is smart, strong, and on her game tonight. She has midwest credentials and Washington experience. #DemDebate

Josh Rogin: Klobuchar just won the Warren-Mayor Pete battle.

Matt Viser: This is Amy Klobuchar’s best debate. By far.

Carla Marinucci: Winner: @AmyKlobuchar's best debate yet; used humor to expand on key positons & argue for electibility. Close 2nd: @PeteButtigieg under attack, kept bouncing back. @BernieSanders, @Ewarren, @JoeBiden, no harm/no foul. @AndrewYang refreshing, @TomSteyer showed passion. #DemDebate

Jonathan Tamari: Klobuchar the first one to directly answer without falling back to her standard stump speech”

Charlotte Clymer: Amy Klobuchar is the only one who has directly answered this question, so far. #DemDebate

Nicholas Thompson: How will you get more people to agree with you on impeachment? Biden, Pete, Warren, Sanders: tell them again that Trump is bad. Klobuchar: Actually break down the case in a smart way so they understand.

Pod Save America: Asked what next steps are on impeachment, Sen. @amyklobuchar calls for McConnell let witnesses testify in the Senate trial. #DemDebate WE ARE FEELING THIS ANSWER.

Allison Winn Scotch: Senator @amyklobuchar is coming out as confident as she has ever been at a debate. Very strong. Presidential.

Jennifer Rubin: Klobuchar global Watergate and her shout out to Iowa farmers were winners.

Kayla Jardine: Klobuchar is having a good night and the audience is recognizing her!! The most comfortable I’ve seen her on stage #DemDebate

Greg Sargent: .@amyklobuchar: Day 1: Rejoin Paris climate deal. Day 2: Restore regs on power plants. Day 3: Restore regs on tailpipe emissions. Followed by: Price on carbon. Good and clear.

Randi Weingarten: Strong start from @amyklobuchar: "The President is not King in America. The law is King." #DemDebate #AFTvotes

Christina Reynolds: “The way we tackle this election is by winning big in the election." Amen @amyklobuchar. And we need to win in all the races, not just the big one.

Jennifer Rubin: Klobuchar doesn't give the same answer in every debate so she sounds fresh and you are actually interested in what she has to say.

Shannon Fisher: I'm impressed with Klobuchar's debate performances. She is a straight-talking, clear-headed, consistent, intelligent, positive candidate with an air of sincerity. If her hair would just stop trembling, I think Amy Klobuchar would be a STRONG contender against Trump! #DemDebate

Jamelle Bouie: oh and before we get too far from it, klobuchar’s answer on voting rights was great”

Julian Zelizer: The smaller stage, combined with some very good moderators, has offered many of the candidates, such as @amyklobuchar, an opportunity to showcase their talent in ways that have been difficult until now.

Grace Segers: Amy Klobuchar is also having a good night. Her performance is actually reminding me of her questioning of Brett Kavanaugh — not necessarily in tone, but because she is confident in herself and in her values in a way she hasn't fully embodied in previous debates.

Daily Kos: Klobuchar makes a call back to the immigration package championed, and almost passed, by Ted Kennedy. Nice piece of personal history. She's having a strong showing tonight. #DemDebate

Holly Figueroa O'Reilly: Klobuchar is having her best debate yet. #DemDebate

Adrienne Elrod: Damn @amyklobuchar just keeps getting better and better during these debates!

DNC Announces Details For Seventh Democratic Presidential Primary Debate

DNC Announces Details For Seventh Democratic Presidential Primary Debate 

 

The DNC and CNN, in partnership with the Des Moines Register, today released the qualification criteria for participation in the seventh debate. To qualify for the January debate stage, candidates must demonstrate broad-based support by meeting both a grassroots fundraising requirement and one of two polling requirements. The deadline for qualifying polls and donations is January 10 at 11:59 P.M.

 

 

 

The official threshold rules are below:

 

 

 

QUALIFICATION CRITERIA FOR THE JANUARY DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY DEBATE

 

 

 

To qualify for the January debate, candidates must meet one of two polling requirements (“Polling Threshold”) and the unique donor requirement (“Grassroots Fundraising Threshold”) as detailed below.

 

 

 

Polling Threshold. To meet the Polling Threshold for the January Debate, candidates must meet either the “Four-Poll Threshold” or the “Early State Polling Threshold” as described below:

 

 

 

Four-Poll Threshold. Receive 5% or more support in at least four polls (which may be national polls, or single-state polls in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and/or Nevada) meeting the Qualifying Poll Criteria described below.  To meet the Four-Poll Threshold, each one of a candidate’s four qualifying polls must be sponsored by different Qualifying Poll Sponsors, or if by the same Qualifying Poll Sponsor, must be in different geographical areas.

 

 

 

Early State Polling Threshold. Receive 7% or more support in two single-state polls in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and/or Nevada that meet the Qualifying Poll Criteria described below.  To meet the Early State Polling Threshold, any candidate’s two qualifying polls may be in the same or different geographical areas and from the same or different Qualifying Poll Sponsors.

 

 

 

For a poll to be counted towards the Four-Poll Threshold or Early State Polling Threshold, it must meet each of the four requirements described below (“Qualifying Poll Criteria”):

 

 

 

Each poll must be sponsored by one of the following 16 entities or pairs of entities (“Qualifying Poll Sponsors”): Associated Press; ABC News/Washington Post; CBS News/YouGov; CNN; Des Moines Register; Fox News; Monmouth University; National Public Radio; NBC News/Wall Street Journal; NBC News/Marist; New York Times; Nevada Independent/Mellman Group; Quinnipiac University; University of New Hampshire; USA Today/Suffolk University; Winthrop University. For individual entities that are included only in Qualifying Poll Sponsor pairs but are not listed individually, independent polling by such individual entities or polling conducted in new partnerships with such individual entities shall not meet the Qualifying Poll Criteria.  The DNC reserves the right to add a Nevada-specific poll sponsor to this list in the near future.

 

 

 

Each poll must be publicly released between November 14, 2019 and 11:59 P.M. on January 10, 2020.

 

 

 

Each poll’s candidate support question must have been conducted by reading or presenting a list of Democratic presidential primary candidates to respondents. Poll questions using an open-ended or un-aided question to gauge presidential primary support will not count.

 

 

 

Each polling result must be the top-line number listed in the original public release from the approved Qualifying Poll Sponsor, whether or not it is a rounded or weighted number.

 

 

 

Grassroots Fundraising Threshold. To meet the Grassroots Fundraising Threshold, candidates must submit a certification, executed by the candidate’s campaign Treasurer, by 11 A.M. on January 11, 2019, demonstrating that the campaign has received donations from at least (1) 225,00 unique donors; and (2) a minimum of 1,000 unique donors per state in at least 20 U.S. states, U.S. territories, or the District of Columbia. Qualifying donations must be received by 11:59 P.M. on January 10, 2020. An acceptable certification must provide or attach adequate verifiable evidence to show that the fundraising threshold has been reached and may include verification from ActBlue or NGP VAN regarding the campaign’s fundraising.

 

What They Are Saying: Joe Biden at the Democratic Debate in Los Angeles, California

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Joe Biden at the Democratic Debate in Los Angeles, CA

“Fought like a frontrunner” … “Easily Biden’s best debate” … “Best debate of the campaign” … “Crisp, passionate” … “Biden came to play”

After garnering support from more than 1,000 current and former elected officials and community leaders from across the country, Joe Biden delivered a forceful debate performance that solidified his position as the steady frontrunner in the Democratic primary. Biden laid out bold visions for tackling climate change, investing in education, and protecting and expanding health care while explaining how he will get them down. He also showcased his unmatched foreign policy experience on the world stage and displayed the profound empathy and compassion he carries every day on the campaign trail.

“Joe Biden tonight looked like a frontrunner, he fought like a frontrunner, he sounded like a frontrunner, and he deserves the credit” —Van Jones, CNN Analyst

Chris Coons, U.S Senator (D-DE)
https://twitter.com/ChrisCoonsforDE/status/1207841620982476801

Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senator (D-RI)
https://twitter.com/SheldonforRI/status/1207834695486103552

Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers
https://twitter.com/rweingarten/status/1207854070536589312

Kate Bedingfield, Deputy Campaign Manager, Biden for President to David Plouffe, Campaign Manager and White House Senior Adviser for Barack Obama
https://twitter.com/KBeds/status/1207864382056611840

Neera Tanden, President, Center for American Progress
https://twitter.com/neeratanden/status/1207873421230493696

David Axelrod, Director of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics and Former Obama Advisor

Seth Masket, Political Scientist, University of Denver
https://twitter.com/smotus/status/1207843848333848576

Maria Shriver, Founder, Shriver Media and Women's Alzheimer's Movement
https://twitter.com/mariashriver/status/1207843545932976128

Meredith Kelly, Partner, Sena Kozar Strategies
https://twitter.com/meredithk27/status/1207840624390606848

Charlotte Alter, Reporter, TIME
https://twitter.com/CharlotteAlter/status/1207863891495137281

Mica Soellner, Wisconsin Political Reporter, USA Today
https://twitter.com/micasoellner/status/1207865461322461184

John Harwood, Economy and National Politics for CNBC
https://twitter.com/JohnJHarwood/status/1207846870510383104

Kevin Drum, Blogger, Mother Jones
https://twitter.com/kdrum/status/1207853250256523264

Jennifer Rubin, Blogger, Washington Post
https://twitter.com/JRubinBlogger/status/1207867366140448771

Greg Sargent, Blogger, Washington Post
https://twitter.com/ThePlumLineGS/status/1207843871050391552

Mo Elleithee, Executive Director, Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service
https://twitter.com/MoElleithee/status/1207853527042838528

USA Today: Democratic debate: Here are the winners and losers from the December match-up

“Former Vice President Joe Biden looked stronger and more relaxed Thursday night than he has in previous debates.

[...]

“Through Thursday night's showing, Biden displayed himself to be the strong, experienced, and leveled politician his campaign has been trying to present.”

Washington Post: Winners and losers from the December Democratic debate

“He dealt particularly well with the toughest question he got, which was about a recent Washington Post report on how leaders, including those in the Obama administration, misled the country about the status of the war in Afghanistan...And he’s got documents to back that up.”

Vox: 3 winners and 4 losers from the December 2019 Democratic debate

“Tonight was different. To be sure, Biden is still a frontrunner, with a very healthy lead in the national polls. So Biden could have just come into the debate, done enough to not lose, and he probably would have still remained on top.

But Biden didn’t just coast through tonight; he did genuinely well. Asked about his claims that he’ll be able to work with Republicans if he defeats Trump, Biden gave one of the best answers of the night.”