Wednesday night the two remaining Democratic candidates — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — faced off in a debate after each won a primary Tuesday in Michigan and Mississippi, respectively. Battalion news reporter Brad Canon gives five takeaways from the debate.
1. Immigration makes way
Both candidates took a strong stance on immigration reform and made it clear they would not deport children or immigrants with a criminal record. Clinton used the topic of immigration as an opportunity to dig up what she could on Sanders’ history to make it seem like he does not support what he claims to. Sanders made it clear he was getting frustrated with Clinton’s rhetoric — when interrupted by Clinton, he argued with her about who the moderator’s question was directed toward.
2. Candidates keep tensions tight
Until this past Sunday the Democratic debates seemed low key and controlled, but Wednesday night’s debate kept up the theme of confrontation that began with Sunday’s debate. Both candidates went shot-for-shot and seemed to let go of some of the control they previously practiced.
3. Clinton came prepared
Clinton looked strong the entire debate, handling questions from moderators well in regards to immigration, her email account and the Benghazi trials. If Sanders wants to make progress with his campaign he needs to redirect his strategy from promoting himself to attacking Clinton more.
4. Wall Street and big bank take downs — again
Since Sanders started his campaign he has figured out a way to hit on topics about Wall Street and talk about how he will take down the “big banks.” Sanders needs to separate himself from Clinton when he can. Wednesday he continued to push the policies that he has his entire campaign, but still lacked the attacks at Clinton which he has consistently been reluctant to do.
5. Topics were missed
Immigration took gold at the debate, but topics like opening trade with Cuba and climate change should have been expanded on more. Candidates were not tested hard enough on topics that are most relevant to the people of Miami. When climate change was brought up the crowd responded with cheering, showing the importance of these issues to Miami residents.