National Public Radio report on Democratic Debates

[Jeffersons Ghost]

8 Political Questions Ahead Of The 1st Democratic Debates
Domenico Montanaro
June 24, 20195:00 AM ET

For millions of Americans, this week will be their first introduction to many of the almost two dozen Democrats running for president, vying for the chance to try to unseat President Trump next year.

1. Will Biden stand up to the scrutiny?
Last week revealed the weaknesses of former Vice President Joe Biden as a candidate. Even before Biden got in the race, Democratic strategists have worried about his lack of discipline, his need to rely on big donors and his stamina.

2. Is the debate an opportunity or danger zone for Bernie Sanders?
Bernie Sanders got what he wanted — to be on stage with Biden (they will debate on night two). It is Sanders' chance to make the case that what's needed is wholesale change, not simply Biden's call for a return to "normalcy."

3. Does Warren make the most of commanding the stage?
In the first debate, Warren is the star to watch. She's the highest-profile name, and she has impressed voters on the campaign trail with her hustle and plan-for-everything approach.

4. Can Harris and Buttigieg stand out?
There's also a chance for Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg to pop for a national audience. Harris had a strong rollout of her campaign, but hasn't taken off since. She made her mark as a national figure last year while grilling Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings. Harris has shown she's good at asking questions; now, can she do as good a job answering them?

5. Do the pragmatists or progressives win out?
Liberal activists want BIG change, especially in the Trump era. But this debate will reach Democrats and other voters who have been less engaged up to this point and might prefer or more pragmatic approach.
Or do they?

6. How much of a focus is Trump?
The president is front and center for Democratic voters, who say what they want most is someone who can beat Trump. And re-election campaigns are, first and foremost, referenda on the person in office.

7. How will foreign policy factor in?
Health care, climate change and money in politics have been among the biggest issues in the Democratic primary fight, so far, but remember that these candidates are vying to be commander in chief against an incumbent president.

8. Who will stick in voters' minds?
With this many candidates, how much time each gets is limited, but everyone will want to be the candidate people are talking about the next day. They will all likely prep zingers or one-liners intended to claim the 30-second soundbite that gets repeated on a loop on cable news.
https://www.npr.org/2019/06/24/734842820/8-political-questions-ahead-of-the-1st-democratic-debates

Kamala Harris' big challenge
By David Axelrod, CNN Senior Political Commentator
Updated 1:00 PM ET, Mon January 28, 2019

"We must answer a fundamental question; WHO ARE WE?"

"When we have leaders, who bully and attack a free press and undermine Democratic institutions: THAT'S NOT AMERICA!"

"When white supremacists massacre innocent worshipers in a Pittsburgh synagogue; THAT'S NOT OUR AMERICA!"

"WHEN WE HAVE CHILDREN - IN CAGES - CRYING FOR THEIR MOTHERS AND FATHERS; DON'T YOU DARE CALL THAT BORDER SECURITY! THAT'S A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE; AND THAT'S NOT OUR AMERICA!"
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100211743263

Tweet from Kamala Harris@KamalaHarris
Jun 22

We have a president who says he wants to "make America great again." Does he want to take us back to before schools were integrated? Before the Voting Rights Act? Before the Civil Rights Act? Before Roe v. Wade?