1st DEM Debate Thread: June 26 & 27, Miami, MSNBC & NBC & Telemundo (9-11pm)

[Reluctant Republican]

Yes, this strikes me as a tough situation for Warren. I fully believe she can dominate the first debate, get a ton of positive press, and then be washed away by the second night. Especially since the media tends to like declaring someone a winner in these debates, so coverage the next morning will be about whoever is deemed at doing best in the last debate. And if there's any snipping by Biden or Sanders I'm sure that will be what all the coverage is focused on.

Of course Fiorina was able to to a certain extent use the kiddie debates to catapult her into the main event, and if nothing else Warren strikes me as a better candidate than her, so not all hope is lost. But it's probably not the lineup she was hoping for. Conversely, had Biden gotten that lineup I'd imagine he'd be thrilled.

[Reluctant Republican]

Castro seems to be doing the best so far. I think it's because he's more aggressive and willing to fight for more time, while Warren just kind of stood there. And her last answer was fairly weak imo.

[Reluctant Republican]

Great moment for Gabbard.

[Reluctant Republican]

I actually feel like when Warren gives an answer they've been pretty decent, with the exception of the gun one maybe. The problem is she's letting the moderators ignore her for long stretches of time and letting candidates like Castro dominate portions of the debate. She should be a little more aggressive. If they'll let Delaney interrupt and answer something there's no way they'd shoot her down.

[Reluctant Republican]

I do really like Yang. He's such a lovable dork.

[Reluctant Republican]

Kamala just won the first half hour of the debate with that single sentence.

Yes. Much as I dislike her, she is a very good debater.

[Reluctant Republican]

I feel rather bad for Williamson. 23 minutes in and she's not gotten to say a single word.

[Reluctant Republican]

Sanders seems to have more energy than Warren yesterday, and is more willing to interject.

[Reluctant Republican]

Biden seems like he's just kind of there. Though his current answer is good for what it is.

[Reluctant Republican]

So far I think Harris and Buttigieg have been doing the best.

[Reluctant Republican]

Sanders closed pretty strong, but I don't know that it will matter.

[Reluctant Republican]

Was not expecting Buttigieg to do as well as he did tonight, especially after the townhall earlier this week. I think he might get a bit of a bump.