Predictions for Friday’s debate

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

It strikes me that Friday’s NH debate might be the most important of the entire campaign, given the lack of decisiveness of the IA results, the number of persuadable NH voters who will be following, and the proximity of the NH vote.

So any big predictions on what will happen?
What issue(s) will dominate?
What will the major axes of conflict be?
Who will be perceived as the big winners and losers?
And who will actually gain and lose in the polls as a result?

[redjohn]

I usually don't watch candidate speeches for too long, but I watched Bernie's speech on caucus night and thought he came across very well. I'm biased, obviously, but he had much more of a "frontrunner" vibe to him. Hopefully this comes across in the debate.

Biden will probably do poorly, the poor guy's falling apart.

[Grassroots]

I actually can't wait. That's going to be sick.

[Vaccinated Russian Bear]

Biden didn't really need to attack anyone. Until now. I hope it'll be fun.

https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1225111846207684608
https://twitter.com/MariannaNBCNews/status/1225107630588383233

[Heebie Jeebie]

Here's a scatter of where the major candidates currently stand:



Not perfect, but it's a good way of thinking about the obstacles/opponents each candidate faces as they try to expand their support.

[Florida Man for Crime]

There will be scrutiny of Buttigieg.

[ElectionsGuy]

Warren and Klobuchar are going to go after Buttigieg, Biden will amp up criticisms of Bernie.

[Hoosier_Nick]

Here's a scatter of where the major candidates currently stand:



Not perfect, but it's a good way of thinking about the obstacles/opponents each candidate faces as they try to expand their support.

Klobuchar is objectively on the wine track and a moderate

[Heebie Jeebie]

Warren and Klobuchar are going to go after Buttigieg, Biden will amp up criticisms of Bernie.

I could actually imagine Warren, Klobuchar, and Biden triple-teaming Buttigieg.  My guess is the mayor's support is a lot softer than Sanders's, so he'd make an enticing target for the ex-veep.

[LeBron]

Amy, Lizzy, and Sniffy will try and obviously fail to take down Pete on his lack of experience for the umpteenth time.

[Heebie Jeebie]

Not perfect, but it's a good way of thinking about the obstacles/opponents each candidate faces as they try to expand their support.

Klobuchar is objectively on the wine track and a moderate

Klobuchar is an unknown for most voters, even in New Hampshire.  I'm focused on public perception.

[They not like us]

Pete will attack Biden for once!

[Pollster]

Hopefully the "no experience" attacks on Buttigieg end as they are not effective, and the "wine cave"-esque attacks resume as they are.

I expect Warren to take an aggressive stand as she needs a strong showing and to keep Biden behind her.

Really not sure what Sanders will do.

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

Really not sure what Sanders will do.

Why?  It seems to me like Sanders does the exact same thing in every debate.

[cvparty]

i think everyone will go after a certain person for obvious reasons

[SN2903]

Biden does poorly.
Warren, Klobuchar and Bernie do well.

[Cassandra]

There will be scrutiny of Buttigieg.

This right here; the knives will be out for the self-declared winner of Iowa. He clogging up the lane that Biden and Klobuchar both wish to dominate, while also stealing voters from Warren. Everyone (sans Bernie, who is not competing for his voters) will be out for his head.