Post-Debate Releases
from the First Presidential Debate, Night 2
-BENNET | BUTTIGIEG
| GILLIBRAND | HARRIS |
TRUMP | RNC | INTEREST GROUPS-
Bennet
for America
DATE: Thursday, June 27, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham
MIAMI — Michael Bennet set himself apart from the other candidates during his first 2020 presidential debate tonight, demonstrating that his distinct experience and track record of winning tough races uniquely prepare him to beat Donald Trump in 2020. He also showed that he is effective, thoughtful, and genuine — and that he has the spirit to fight for the American people.
Michael on His Healthcare Plan
“Health care is a right. We need to get to universal health care. I believe the way to do that is by finishing the work we started with Obamacare and creating a public option so that every family and every person in America can make a choice for their family.... [Medicare-for-all] will ban — make illegal — all insurance except … for plastic surgery. Everything else is banned under the Medicare-for-all proposal.”
Michael made clear tonight that his Medicare-X public option healthcare plan is the fastest, most effective and affordable way to achieve universal coverage. Michael’s plan builds on the Affordable Care Act by creating a true public option so every family can choose for themselves what’s best — whether that’s a plan through their employer or union, or a government plan administered by Medicare. Michael’s proposal will also lower costs and improve the quality of care.
During the debate, Michael drew a clear distinction for why his plan is better than the restrictive “Medicare-for-all” idea supported by Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. The Warren-Sanders plan makes private insurance illegal, kicking 177 million Americans off of their current plans — 70 percent of whom like what they have right now. It would also cost $32 trillion.
Michael on Voting Against the Biden-McConnell Deal to Extend the Bush Tax Cuts
“The deal that [Biden] talked about with Mitch McConnell was a complete victory for the Tea Party. It extended the Bush tax cuts permanently. ... That was a great deal for Mitch McConnell. It was a terrible deal for America.”
Michael was one of only three Democratic Senators — and the only one in this race — to vote against Vice President Biden and Senator Mitch McConnell's "deal" to make the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy permanent. The deal kept in place almost all of the Bush tax cuts — at a cost of $4 trillion, including tax cuts for the wealthiest estates in the country. The whole point of the negotiation was to support the fragile economy, but Biden’s deal didn’t do anything to support working families and even let automatic spending cuts take effect.
Michael on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
“When I see these kids at the border, I see my mom ... because she was separated from her parents for years during the Holocaust in Poland. ... The president has turned the border of the United States into a symbol of nativist hostility that the whole world is looking at, when what we should be represented by here is the Statue of Liberty....”
Making sure our immigration system works is personal to Michael. His mom found a home in America after surviving the Holocaust.
Michael was part of the Gang of Eight that negotiated the bipartisan comprehensive immigration bill in 2013, which passed the Senate with 68 votes. That plan offered a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants, fixed our broken system, and provided $46 billion for smart border security.
Michael on Why He’s Running for President
“The idea that the next generation will have a better future is at risk. Especially for kids in poverty, like those I worked with in the Denver Public Schools. That’s why I’m running for president.
“I’ve won two tough national races in Colorado by bringing people together – not making empty promises.
“We must build a broad coalition to defeat Trump, end the corruption in Washington, and create a new era of American democracy and opportunity. It won’t be easy, but it’s what our parents would expect and what our children deserve.”
Michael shared his unique background with the American people tonight and how it prepares him to beat Trump and move the country forward. Before his appointment to the Senate, Michael was Superintendent of the Denver Public Schools and worked in local government and business. Michael also won elections in 2010 and 2016 — both difficult cycles for Democrats — in a state in the middle of the country that is a third Republican, a third Independent, and a third Democratic.
DATE: Thursday, June 27, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham
Bennet Goes Toe-to-Toe with Sanders and Biden
Bennet Shows Leadership on Health Care,
Fixing Washington
MIAMI — Michael Bennet set himself apart from the other candidates during his first 2020 presidential debate tonight, demonstrating that his distinct experience and track record of winning tough races uniquely prepare him to beat Donald Trump in 2020. He also showed that he is effective, thoughtful, and genuine — and that he has the spirit to fight for the American people.
Michael on His Healthcare Plan
“Health care is a right. We need to get to universal health care. I believe the way to do that is by finishing the work we started with Obamacare and creating a public option so that every family and every person in America can make a choice for their family.... [Medicare-for-all] will ban — make illegal — all insurance except … for plastic surgery. Everything else is banned under the Medicare-for-all proposal.”
Michael made clear tonight that his Medicare-X public option healthcare plan is the fastest, most effective and affordable way to achieve universal coverage. Michael’s plan builds on the Affordable Care Act by creating a true public option so every family can choose for themselves what’s best — whether that’s a plan through their employer or union, or a government plan administered by Medicare. Michael’s proposal will also lower costs and improve the quality of care.
During the debate, Michael drew a clear distinction for why his plan is better than the restrictive “Medicare-for-all” idea supported by Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. The Warren-Sanders plan makes private insurance illegal, kicking 177 million Americans off of their current plans — 70 percent of whom like what they have right now. It would also cost $32 trillion.
Michael on Voting Against the Biden-McConnell Deal to Extend the Bush Tax Cuts
“The deal that [Biden] talked about with Mitch McConnell was a complete victory for the Tea Party. It extended the Bush tax cuts permanently. ... That was a great deal for Mitch McConnell. It was a terrible deal for America.”
Michael was one of only three Democratic Senators — and the only one in this race — to vote against Vice President Biden and Senator Mitch McConnell's "deal" to make the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy permanent. The deal kept in place almost all of the Bush tax cuts — at a cost of $4 trillion, including tax cuts for the wealthiest estates in the country. The whole point of the negotiation was to support the fragile economy, but Biden’s deal didn’t do anything to support working families and even let automatic spending cuts take effect.
Michael on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
“When I see these kids at the border, I see my mom ... because she was separated from her parents for years during the Holocaust in Poland. ... The president has turned the border of the United States into a symbol of nativist hostility that the whole world is looking at, when what we should be represented by here is the Statue of Liberty....”
Making sure our immigration system works is personal to Michael. His mom found a home in America after surviving the Holocaust.
Michael was part of the Gang of Eight that negotiated the bipartisan comprehensive immigration bill in 2013, which passed the Senate with 68 votes. That plan offered a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants, fixed our broken system, and provided $46 billion for smart border security.
Michael on Why He’s Running for President
“The idea that the next generation will have a better future is at risk. Especially for kids in poverty, like those I worked with in the Denver Public Schools. That’s why I’m running for president.
“I’ve won two tough national races in Colorado by bringing people together – not making empty promises.
“We must build a broad coalition to defeat Trump, end the corruption in Washington, and create a new era of American democracy and opportunity. It won’t be easy, but it’s what our parents would expect and what our children deserve.”
Michael shared his unique background with the American people tonight and how it prepares him to beat Trump and move the country forward. Before his appointment to the Senate, Michael was Superintendent of the Denver Public Schools and worked in local government and business. Michael also won elections in 2010 and 2016 — both difficult cycles for Democrats — in a state in the middle of the country that is a third Republican, a third Independent, and a third Democratic.
###
___________________
Bennet for America
DATE: Thursday, June 28, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham
INCYMI: Bennet Was "Genuine" and "Powerful" in Debate
DENVER — Michael Bennet made
clear during last night’s debate that he was
not afraid to speak the truth to voters — whether about the fact that Medicare for All makes employer- and
union-provided health insurance illegal, or that the Biden-McConnell deal on the Bush tax
cuts was a bad bargain for the American people. Michael
demonstrated that his combination of thoughtful policies and toughness
will make him a formidable opponent for Donald Trump in 2020.Michael followed up his strong debate performance with an interview with Chris Matthews and an appearance on Morning Joe, where be continued to show the American people that his unique experience as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, combined with his track record of bringing together a broad coalition for change, will best set up Democrats not only to win the White House, but also the Senate. As Michael said this morning, “My concern is that we make sure we nominate somebody who can carry the presidency but also get a majority in the Senate, which we desperately need to do. The policies we choose to run on are going to make a big difference in that calculation.”
Read more about Michael’s performance below.
CNN: Winners and Losers From Night 2 of the 1st Democratic Debate
Winner: Michael Bennet
Chris Cillizza: ... I thought Bennet performed well. Bennet's incredulity with Biden's belief that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would start working in a bipartisan way if the former vice president won the White House felt genuine -- and was powerful. In short: Bennet came out of this debate looking better than he went into it. Which is a win.
Denver Post: Michael Bennet Earns Kudos in Democratic Debate; John Hickenlooper, Not So Much
Colorado’s Michael Bennet might have had a late start in the Democratic presidential primary, but his performance at Thursday’s NBC debate just might give him enough gas to pass a challenger or two.
Washington Post
[I]t was other candidates who helped drive the debate and shape the tone. Sen. Michael F. Bennet (Colo.) came close to Harris at times, whether attacking Biden for cutting a deal that made permanent the tax cuts first passed during the presidency of George W. Bush or offering counterarguments to those candidates advocating a single-payer Medicare-for-all program that would eliminate private insurance. …
Bennet emerged as a voice prepared to challenge the progressive wing, in the way that Biden is expected to do.
Vox: A Quiet Joe Biden Debate Moment that Deserved More Attention:
Matt Yglesias: Bennet, who was one of only two Senate Democrats to actually vote no on the [Biden-McConnell] deal, recalled it differently.
“The deal with Mitch McConnell was a complete victory for the Tea Party,” he said. “... That was a great deal for Mitch McConnell and a terrible deal for America.’
To the best of my understanding at the time, much of the White House staff and the Senate leadership agreed with Bennet that the deal was bad.
ABC: Sen. Bennet Gets Personal When Talking About Family Separations
A little earlier in the night, Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet invoked his mother, who was separated from her parents during the Holocaust, amid a conversation about family separations.
It was a powerful and personal moment from the Colorado senator, whose mother and grandparents survived the Holocaust in Warsaw, Poland during World War II.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
CNBC’s John Harwood:
“If last night was the beginning of trouble for Joe Biden, and he starts to lose some of his support, Michael Bennet certainly put himself into position to harvest some of the support….”
Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin:
“Thursday’s winners: Harris, Harris and Harris. Buttigieg except on race. Bennet.
Thursday’s losers: Sanders, Biden and Swalwell. Buttigieg on race.”
U.S. News & World Report’s Dave Catanese:
“@MichaelBennet came to play.”
Boston Magazine’s David Bernstein:
“I thought Bennet was quite good tonight, and that his attack on Biden was the best we’ve seen.”
The Atlantic’s Ron Brownstein:
“Imagine an up down arrow for Democratic voters watching this: whose performance makes you more confident about their ability to debate Trump and who has made you less confident? Harris, Buttigieg maybe Bennet in first group; Biden, Bernie in latter.”
Former South Carolina Democratic Governor Jim Hodges:
“#democraticdebate2019. @KamalaHarris particularly memorable tonight. @PeteButtigieg and @MichaelBennet having good nights as well.”
Former Chief Marketing Officer of Wenner Media Gary Armstrong:
“Important to remember: Obama's last interview as president with The New Yorker, he named three people as the future of the Democratic party.
-Kamala Harris
-Michael Bennet
-Pete Buttigieg.
In December 2016--he knew then, and they all did great tonight.”
Former Chief Speechwriter for President Bill Clinton David Kusnet:
New York Times Contributing Opinion Writer Wajahat Ali:
“Michael Bennet keeps bringing up Trump's reckless decisions and positions, which is a good reminder for voters and sharp contrast to Dems on the stage.”
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post:
“Thank you @MichaelBennet for discussing the challenge of partisan gerrymandering. More than 4000 state legislators elected in 2020 will draw Congressional and legislative lines. We are here to put more Democrats in those seats @TheDLCC #DemDebate”
The Young Turks’ Cenk Uygur:
“[Michael Bennet] made a great point about Obama-Biden tax deal with Republicans- it made most of Bush tax cuts permanent! He was right, @JoeBiden was wrong again. #DemDebate2”
Author and Activist Sally Kohn:
“Bravo to Bennet for bringing up gerrymandering. Disastrous court ruling today with MASSIVE implications and 1:14 into the debate no questions on redistricting or campaign finance, etc. #DemDebate2”
POLITICO’s Carla Marinucci:
“So far, @KamalaHarris showing the focus -- and the passion -- that has made her a standout in the #DemDebate lineup..@PeteButtigieg and @MichaelBennet also delivering concise, well-delivered answers to complex issues like healthcare.”
Washington Post’s EJ Dionne:
“Kamala Harris gambled & won. She was dominant before she went after Joe Biden & then took control of the night. Pete Buttigieg did well, Michael Bennet got notice & Bernie Sanders is running his 2016 race all over again. My take on the #DemocraticDebate”
Wall Street Journal’s Richard Rubin:
“Reminder that Bennet, unlike almost anyone else, has cred on [Biden-McConnell deal]. He voted against the deal that day. It passed 89-8.”
MSNBC’s David Gura:
“President Trump and many Democratic candidates call it a ‘border crisis.’ @MichaelBennet just referred to it, rightly, as a ‘refugee crisis.’ #DemDebate2”
New York Times’s Sarah Kliff:
“Bennet is right here - the Sanders plan would indeed ban private plans that compete against the government one….”
Pete for America
June 27, 2019 10:33 p.m.
What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete’s Debate Performance
“Good for Mayor
@PeteButtigieg to speak to rural America... says they should be a part
of the solution, instead of being told they're the problem.” - Maria
Shriver
“I can't stop thinking about Pete Buttigieg's answer to that question. It was completely unexpected. Vulnerable, honest, heartfelt, and not one bit of cowardice in it. It was a leader's answer.” - Charlotte Clymer
“I can't stop thinking about Pete Buttigieg's answer to that question. It was completely unexpected. Vulnerable, honest, heartfelt, and not one bit of cowardice in it. It was a leader's answer.” - Charlotte Clymer
On Twitter:
Elena Schneider @ec_schneider: Buttigieg is the first to bring up rural communities over the last two nights.
Hari Sevugan @HariSevugan:
.@PeteButtigieg passed his first real test. His authenticity and
humility carried the day. #DemDebate
NRDC Action Fund @NRDC_AF: @PeteButtigieg is right. Rural America has a big role to play in solving the climate crisis and preserving healthy agriculture! Here's more on his plan: on.nrdc.org/2Nd1eK1 #DemDebate
Ben LaBolt @Ben LaBolt: Mayor Pete is just so goddamn reasonable. I love the dose of Midwestern sensibility in this race.
Jonathan Capehart @CapehartJ: Don't underestimate the importance and power of @PeteButtigieg saying Eric Logan's name.
Zach Wahls @ZachWahls: That was a solid-A answer from Mayor Pete.
Hari Sevugan @HariSevugan: .@PeteButtigieg passed his first real test. His authenticity and humility carried the day. #DemDebate
Charlotte Clymer
deray @deray: I spoke with Buttigieg last night about police violence. I’m looking forward to seeing Pete release South Bend’s Use of Force Policy. It will be important to see how he handles this in South Bend. #DemDebate2
Zack Ford @ZackFord: "I couldn't get it done." @PeteButtigieg displays great humility as he explains the way he wishes he could end police-involved violence against black people. #DemDebate
Sasha Samberg-Champion @ssamcham: What a novel thing for a politicsn (sic) to say "I didn't get it done."
Edward Bowser @etbowser: I appreciate Buttigieg's honesty and sincerely. Two words that are an endangered species in 2019. #DemDebate2
Don Beyer @DonBeyerVA: I appreciate @PeteButtigieg's frank words on the systemic racism in policing. Under a Buttigieg presidency, this country will work toward bringing down the "wall of mistrust" between the African American community and the police. #TeamPete
Charlotte Clymer
Sean Shaw @SShawFL: I am not getting good service but I had to step outside of the debate hall to say this...@PeteButtigieg is crushing it! #demdebate #teampete
Sunny Hostin @sunny: YES Mayor Pete. YES. @PeteButtigieg
Zach Wahls @ZachWahls: Mayor Pete is totally right about the role of Rural America in preventing and mitigating climate change.
Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: Another saavy line not often heard from Dem 2020 candidates comes from @PeteButtigieg, talking about climate change: "Rural American can be part of the solution, instead of being told they're part of the problem." #DemDebate
Maria Shriver @mariashriver: Good for Mayor @PeteButtigieg to speak to rural America... says they should be a part of the solution, instead of being told they're the problem #demdebate2 #democraticdebate
_____________________
Pete for America
June 27, 2019 11:05 p.m.
“@PeteButtigieg is the only one talking about defending American values abroad. "And it starts by modeling American values here at home." Amen.” - Josh Rogin
On Twitter:
Lauren Duca @laurenduca: "If more guns made us safer, we'd be the safest country on Earth." - @PeteButtigieg nailing it with a one-liner again #DemDebate2
Moms Demand Action @MomsDemand: .@PeteButtigieg is right: the vast majority of Americans want #SmarterGunLaws like background checks on all gun sales. In fact, poll after poll demonstrates overwhelming support by Americans for requiring background checks on all gun sales, including the majority of gun owners.
Face The Nation @FaceTheNation: *FOREIGN POLICY SOUNDBITE* @PeteButtigieg criticizes the Trump Doctrine: "We have no idea which of our most important allies we'll have pissed off most" by 2020.
Josh Rogin @joshrogin: .@PeteButtigieg is the only one talking about defending American values abroad. "And it starts by modeling American values here at home." Amen.
Emma Green @emmaogreen: While the other candidates gestured at American values and the country's torn moral fabric, Buttigieg is by far the Democratic presidential candidate most comfortable using the language of faith--and arguing that Republicans are no longer the party of God.
David Hogg @davidhogg111: No mention of Master Sergeant Micheal B. Riley or Sergeant James Johnston who both died last Tuesday in Afghanistan. Or the fact we’ve been in a war for 18 years now in Afghanistan. Only person that came close to mentioning it was @PeteButtigieg
Lauren Hogg @lauren_hoggs: All I know is that out of everyone up on that stage the only individual who has made a genuine effort to see what they can do to prevent gun violence by talking to survivors including myself is @PeteButtigieg. And that was long before he announced he was running.
Ezra Levin @ezralevin: .@PeteButtigieg's #1 legislative priority is fixing democracy. He's the only one on stage tonight to say this.
Brian Tyler Cohen @briantylercohen: @PeteButtigieg: “If more guns made us safer, we’d be the safest country on earth. It doesn’t work that way.” Spot on.
Benjamin Wittes @benjaminwittes: Mayor Pete stays. He’s really interesting and genuine and different.
Zach Wahls @ZachWahls: "If more weapons made us safer, the United States would be the safest country on Earth." - @PeteButtigieg. Great line.
Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: If more guns mattered, "we'd be the safest country on earth,'' great line from Afghanistan veteran @PeteButtigieg, "somebody who trained on weapons of war." No one else on stage can make that claim -- effective.
Ameshia Cross @AmeshiaCross: @PeteButtigieg just got a donation from me. This is what a leader looks like. Go ahead Mayor Pete! You deserve to be on that stage.
Sarah Silverman @SarahKSilverman: Mayor Pete Yas “if more guns made us safe we’d be the safest country in the world” #DemDebate2
Melissa Colorado @melissacolorado: Still can’t forget this @PeteButtigieg moment. This question would have stumped many seasoned mayors or governors. He handled it with sincerity. #DemocraticDebate2020 #demdebates2
Ali A. Rizvi @aliamjadrizvi: Pete Buttigieg is physically incapable of saying anything that isn’t articulate, intelligent, and persuasive. #DemDebate2
Seth MacFarlane @SethMacFarlane: @PeteButtigieg Best answer to that question, and hey, funniest too.
Allison Winn Scotch @aswinn: I'm so glad that Maddow pointed out @PeteButtigieg's military record. He brings a unique perspective to the job, and also, I admire the hell out of it. He enlisted after Harvard and Oxford! The uniqueness of that decision speaks to his character
Sean Shaw @SShawFL: The answer that @PeteButtigieg gave re: the tragedy in his commmunity (sic) encapsulates everything I like about him...smart, thoughtful, honest, and authentic. #demdebate #teampete #democraticdebate
Don Beyer @DonBeyerVA Our relationship with the entire world needs to change. It's time to pass the torch to a new generation, and that is @PeteButtigieg. #DemDebate #TeamPete
Pete for America
June 27, 2019 11:41 p.m.
Miami, FL -- During tonight’s Democratic presidential debate Mayor Pete set himself apart on the stage.
Key Excerpts:
VIDEO: ONLY ONE TO MENTION RURAL AMERICA
This isn't theoretical for us in South Bend either. Parts of California on fire right here in Florida, they're talking about sea level rise will. Well in Indiana, I had to activate the emergency operation center of our city twice in less than two years. The first time was a thousand year flood and the next time was a 500 year flood. This is not just happening on the arctic ice caps. This is happening in the middle of the country.
First of all, rural America can be part of the solution. Instead of being told they're part of the problem with the right kind of soil management and other kinds of investments, rural America could be a huge part of how we get this done. And secondly, we've got to look to the leadership of local communities. There's networks of mayors and cities from around the world who've come together, not even waiting for our national governments to catch up. We should have a Pittsburgh summit where we bring them together, as well as rejoining the Paris climate agreement. [...]
VIDEO: ONLY ONE TO TAKE ON REPUBLICAN HYPOCRISY ON FAMILY SEPARATION
We've got to talk about one other thing, because the Republican Party likes to cloak itself in the real language of religion. Now, our Party doesn't talk about that as much, largely for a very good reason, which is we are committed to the separation of church and state, and we stand for people of any religion and people of no religion, but we should call out hypocrisy when we see it.
And for a party that associates itself with Christianity to say that it is okay to suggest that God would smile on the division of families at the hands of federal agents, that God would condone putting children in cages, has lost all claim to ever use religious language again.
VIDEO: ONLY ONE WHO PRIORITIZED FIXING OUR DEMOCRACY
We've got to fix our democracy before it's too late. Get that right. Climate integration, taxes and every other issue gets done.
VIDEO: ONLY ONE TALKING ABOUT MAKING NOT GOING TO COLLEGE AFFORDABLE
Now there's something else that doesn't get talked about in the college affordability debate. Yes, it needs to be more affordable in this country to go to college. It also needs to be more affordable in this country to not go to college.
I also believe in free college for low and middle income students for whom cost could be a barrier. I just don't believe it makes sense to ask working class families to subsidize even the children of billionaires.
VIDEO: ON RESTORING AMERICA’S RELATIONSHIPS
We have no idea which of our most important allies he will have pissed off worse between now and then. What we know is that our relationship with the entire world needs to change, and it starts by modeling American values at home.
VIDEO: SHOWED LEADERSHIP ON ISSUES OF RACE AND POLICING
And until we move policing out from the shadow of systemic racism, whatever this particular issue teaches us, we will be left with the bigger problem of the fact that there’s a wall of mistrust put up one racist act at a time...It threatens the well being of every community. And I am determined to bring about a day when a white person driving a vehicle and a black person driving a vehicle, when they see a police officer approaching, feels the exact same thing. A feeling not of fear, but of safety. I am determined to bring that day about. [...]
Because I couldn't get it done. My community is in anguish right now. Because of an officer involved shooting, a black man, Eric Logan, killed by a white officer. And I'm not allowed to take sides until the investigation comes back, the officer said he was attacked with a knife, but he didn't have his body camera on. It's a mess. And we're hurting.
And I could walk you through all of the things that we have done as a community, all of the steps that we took from bias training to deescalation, but, it didn't save the life of Eric Logan. And when I look into his mother's eyes, I have to face the fact that nothing that I say will bring him back...This is an issue that is facing our community and so many communities around the country.
VIDEO: FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH GUN VIOLENCE
If more guns made us safer, we'd be the safest country on earth. That doesn't work that way. And common sense measures like universal background checks can't seem to get delivered by Washington even when most Republicans, let alone most Americans agree it's the right thing to do. And as somebody who trained on weapons of war, I can tell you that there are weapons that have absolutely no place in American cities or neighborhoods in peacetime, ever. [...]
Look, every part of my life experience informs this. Being the mayor of a city where the worst part of the job is dealing with violence. We lose as many as were lost at Parkland every two or three years in my city alone, and this is tearing communities apart.
VIDEO: WARNS OF CHINA CAPITALIZING ON FOREIGN POLICY CHAOS
And if you look at what China is doing, they’re using technology for the perfection of dictatorship. But their fundamental economic model isn't gonna change because of some tariffs.
And this president is fixated on the China relationship as if all that mattered was the export balance on dishwashers. We've got a much bigger issue on our hands but at a moment when their authoritarian model is being held up as an alternative to ours because ours looks so chaotic compared to theirs right now because of our internal divisions. The biggest thing we've gotta do is invest in our own domestic competitiveness. If we disinvest in our own infrastructure, education, we are never going to be able to compete. And if we really wanna be an alternative, a democratic alternative, we actually have to demonstrate that we care about democratic values at home and around the world.
VIDEO: CRITICIZED WASHINGTON FOR PLAYING POLITICS WITH IMMIGRATION
The American people want a pathway to citizenship. They want to protections for dreamers. We need to clean up the lawful immigration system. Like how my father immigrated to this country and as part of a compromise, we can do whatever common sense measures are needed at the border, but Washington can't deliver on something the American people want. What does that tell you about the system we're living in? It tells you it needs profound structural reform.
But of course the real problem is we shouldn't have 11 million undocumented people with no pathway to citizenship. It makes no sense. And the American people, the American people agree on what to do. This is the crazy thing. If leadership consists of, of forming a consensus around a divisive issue, this White House has divided us around a consensus issue.
And remember, we're talking about something, people are given a chance to buy into. In the same way that there are undocumented immigrants in my community who pay. They pay sales taxes, they pay property taxes directly or indirectly. This is not about a handout. This is an insurance program and we do ourselves no favors by having 11 million undocumented people in our country be unable to access healthcare.
Pete for America
June 27, 2019 11:05 p.m.
What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete’s Debate Performance
"If more guns made us safer, we'd be the safest country on Earth." - @PeteButtigieg nailing it with a one-liner again #DemDebate2” - Lauren Duca“@PeteButtigieg is the only one talking about defending American values abroad. "And it starts by modeling American values here at home." Amen.” - Josh Rogin
On Twitter:
Lauren Duca @laurenduca: "If more guns made us safer, we'd be the safest country on Earth." - @PeteButtigieg nailing it with a one-liner again #DemDebate2
Moms Demand Action @MomsDemand: .@PeteButtigieg is right: the vast majority of Americans want #SmarterGunLaws like background checks on all gun sales. In fact, poll after poll demonstrates overwhelming support by Americans for requiring background checks on all gun sales, including the majority of gun owners.
Face The Nation @FaceTheNation: *FOREIGN POLICY SOUNDBITE* @PeteButtigieg criticizes the Trump Doctrine: "We have no idea which of our most important allies we'll have pissed off most" by 2020.
Josh Rogin @joshrogin: .@PeteButtigieg is the only one talking about defending American values abroad. "And it starts by modeling American values here at home." Amen.
Emma Green @emmaogreen: While the other candidates gestured at American values and the country's torn moral fabric, Buttigieg is by far the Democratic presidential candidate most comfortable using the language of faith--and arguing that Republicans are no longer the party of God.
David Hogg @davidhogg111: No mention of Master Sergeant Micheal B. Riley or Sergeant James Johnston who both died last Tuesday in Afghanistan. Or the fact we’ve been in a war for 18 years now in Afghanistan. Only person that came close to mentioning it was @PeteButtigieg
Lauren Hogg @lauren_hoggs: All I know is that out of everyone up on that stage the only individual who has made a genuine effort to see what they can do to prevent gun violence by talking to survivors including myself is @PeteButtigieg. And that was long before he announced he was running.
Ezra Levin @ezralevin: .@PeteButtigieg's #1 legislative priority is fixing democracy. He's the only one on stage tonight to say this.
Brian Tyler Cohen @briantylercohen: @PeteButtigieg: “If more guns made us safer, we’d be the safest country on earth. It doesn’t work that way.” Spot on.
Benjamin Wittes @benjaminwittes: Mayor Pete stays. He’s really interesting and genuine and different.
Zach Wahls @ZachWahls: "If more weapons made us safer, the United States would be the safest country on Earth." - @PeteButtigieg. Great line.
Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: If more guns mattered, "we'd be the safest country on earth,'' great line from Afghanistan veteran @PeteButtigieg, "somebody who trained on weapons of war." No one else on stage can make that claim -- effective.
Ameshia Cross @AmeshiaCross: @PeteButtigieg just got a donation from me. This is what a leader looks like. Go ahead Mayor Pete! You deserve to be on that stage.
Sarah Silverman @SarahKSilverman: Mayor Pete Yas “if more guns made us safe we’d be the safest country in the world” #DemDebate2
Melissa Colorado @melissacolorado: Still can’t forget this @PeteButtigieg moment. This question would have stumped many seasoned mayors or governors. He handled it with sincerity. #DemocraticDebate2020 #demdebates2
Ali A. Rizvi @aliamjadrizvi: Pete Buttigieg is physically incapable of saying anything that isn’t articulate, intelligent, and persuasive. #DemDebate2
Seth MacFarlane @SethMacFarlane: @PeteButtigieg Best answer to that question, and hey, funniest too.
Allison Winn Scotch @aswinn: I'm so glad that Maddow pointed out @PeteButtigieg's military record. He brings a unique perspective to the job, and also, I admire the hell out of it. He enlisted after Harvard and Oxford! The uniqueness of that decision speaks to his character
Sean Shaw @SShawFL: The answer that @PeteButtigieg gave re: the tragedy in his commmunity (sic) encapsulates everything I like about him...smart, thoughtful, honest, and authentic. #demdebate #teampete #democraticdebate
Don Beyer @DonBeyerVA Our relationship with the entire world needs to change. It's time to pass the torch to a new generation, and that is @PeteButtigieg. #DemDebate #TeamPete
____________________
Pete for America
June 27, 2019 11:41 p.m.
Mayor Pete Sets Himself Apart at First Democratic Debate
“Washington
can't
deliver
on
something
the
American
people
want.
What
does
that
tell
you about the system we're living in? It tells you it needs
profound structural reform.”
“If more guns made us safer, we'd be the safest country on earth.”
“We have no idea which of our most important allies he will have pissed off worse between now and then. What we know is that our relationship with the entire world needs to change.”
“If more guns made us safer, we'd be the safest country on earth.”
“We have no idea which of our most important allies he will have pissed off worse between now and then. What we know is that our relationship with the entire world needs to change.”
Miami, FL -- During tonight’s Democratic presidential debate Mayor Pete set himself apart on the stage.
Key Excerpts:
VIDEO: ONLY ONE TO MENTION RURAL AMERICA
This isn't theoretical for us in South Bend either. Parts of California on fire right here in Florida, they're talking about sea level rise will. Well in Indiana, I had to activate the emergency operation center of our city twice in less than two years. The first time was a thousand year flood and the next time was a 500 year flood. This is not just happening on the arctic ice caps. This is happening in the middle of the country.
First of all, rural America can be part of the solution. Instead of being told they're part of the problem with the right kind of soil management and other kinds of investments, rural America could be a huge part of how we get this done. And secondly, we've got to look to the leadership of local communities. There's networks of mayors and cities from around the world who've come together, not even waiting for our national governments to catch up. We should have a Pittsburgh summit where we bring them together, as well as rejoining the Paris climate agreement. [...]
VIDEO: ONLY ONE TO TAKE ON REPUBLICAN HYPOCRISY ON FAMILY SEPARATION
We've got to talk about one other thing, because the Republican Party likes to cloak itself in the real language of religion. Now, our Party doesn't talk about that as much, largely for a very good reason, which is we are committed to the separation of church and state, and we stand for people of any religion and people of no religion, but we should call out hypocrisy when we see it.
And for a party that associates itself with Christianity to say that it is okay to suggest that God would smile on the division of families at the hands of federal agents, that God would condone putting children in cages, has lost all claim to ever use religious language again.
VIDEO: ONLY ONE WHO PRIORITIZED FIXING OUR DEMOCRACY
We've got to fix our democracy before it's too late. Get that right. Climate integration, taxes and every other issue gets done.
VIDEO: ONLY ONE TALKING ABOUT MAKING NOT GOING TO COLLEGE AFFORDABLE
Now there's something else that doesn't get talked about in the college affordability debate. Yes, it needs to be more affordable in this country to go to college. It also needs to be more affordable in this country to not go to college.
I also believe in free college for low and middle income students for whom cost could be a barrier. I just don't believe it makes sense to ask working class families to subsidize even the children of billionaires.
VIDEO: ON RESTORING AMERICA’S RELATIONSHIPS
We have no idea which of our most important allies he will have pissed off worse between now and then. What we know is that our relationship with the entire world needs to change, and it starts by modeling American values at home.
VIDEO: SHOWED LEADERSHIP ON ISSUES OF RACE AND POLICING
And until we move policing out from the shadow of systemic racism, whatever this particular issue teaches us, we will be left with the bigger problem of the fact that there’s a wall of mistrust put up one racist act at a time...It threatens the well being of every community. And I am determined to bring about a day when a white person driving a vehicle and a black person driving a vehicle, when they see a police officer approaching, feels the exact same thing. A feeling not of fear, but of safety. I am determined to bring that day about. [...]
Because I couldn't get it done. My community is in anguish right now. Because of an officer involved shooting, a black man, Eric Logan, killed by a white officer. And I'm not allowed to take sides until the investigation comes back, the officer said he was attacked with a knife, but he didn't have his body camera on. It's a mess. And we're hurting.
And I could walk you through all of the things that we have done as a community, all of the steps that we took from bias training to deescalation, but, it didn't save the life of Eric Logan. And when I look into his mother's eyes, I have to face the fact that nothing that I say will bring him back...This is an issue that is facing our community and so many communities around the country.
VIDEO: FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH GUN VIOLENCE
If more guns made us safer, we'd be the safest country on earth. That doesn't work that way. And common sense measures like universal background checks can't seem to get delivered by Washington even when most Republicans, let alone most Americans agree it's the right thing to do. And as somebody who trained on weapons of war, I can tell you that there are weapons that have absolutely no place in American cities or neighborhoods in peacetime, ever. [...]
Look, every part of my life experience informs this. Being the mayor of a city where the worst part of the job is dealing with violence. We lose as many as were lost at Parkland every two or three years in my city alone, and this is tearing communities apart.
VIDEO: WARNS OF CHINA CAPITALIZING ON FOREIGN POLICY CHAOS
And if you look at what China is doing, they’re using technology for the perfection of dictatorship. But their fundamental economic model isn't gonna change because of some tariffs.
And this president is fixated on the China relationship as if all that mattered was the export balance on dishwashers. We've got a much bigger issue on our hands but at a moment when their authoritarian model is being held up as an alternative to ours because ours looks so chaotic compared to theirs right now because of our internal divisions. The biggest thing we've gotta do is invest in our own domestic competitiveness. If we disinvest in our own infrastructure, education, we are never going to be able to compete. And if we really wanna be an alternative, a democratic alternative, we actually have to demonstrate that we care about democratic values at home and around the world.
VIDEO: CRITICIZED WASHINGTON FOR PLAYING POLITICS WITH IMMIGRATION
The American people want a pathway to citizenship. They want to protections for dreamers. We need to clean up the lawful immigration system. Like how my father immigrated to this country and as part of a compromise, we can do whatever common sense measures are needed at the border, but Washington can't deliver on something the American people want. What does that tell you about the system we're living in? It tells you it needs profound structural reform.
But of course the real problem is we shouldn't have 11 million undocumented people with no pathway to citizenship. It makes no sense. And the American people, the American people agree on what to do. This is the crazy thing. If leadership consists of, of forming a consensus around a divisive issue, this White House has divided us around a consensus issue.
And remember, we're talking about something, people are given a chance to buy into. In the same way that there are undocumented immigrants in my community who pay. They pay sales taxes, they pay property taxes directly or indirectly. This is not about a handout. This is an insurance program and we do ourselves no favors by having 11 million undocumented people in our country be unable to access healthcare.
###
_____________________
Pete for America
June 28, 2019 8:44 a.m.
CNN: New Day With Alisyn Camerota and John Berman
Alisyn Camerota: He has a fluency with speaking about religion in a way that not all candidates do.
Bakari Sellers: There were also a lot of people when Pete Buttigieg said that answer also screaming and jumping and saying their amens. I would argue that the Democratic Party is a little bit more conservative on religion than people give it credit for, especially the base of the party, in particular African Americans. [...]
There are a lot of people who are sick and tired of Republicans thinking that GOP stands for God's only party. That's simply not the case. And Pete Buttigieg is handling that. When you have individuals out there like the Jerry Falwells of the world and the Franklin Grahams of the world and Mr. Two Corinthians himself, the President of the United States, and then you have someone who's very sobering in Pete Buttigieg, you see that there is a clear difference.
Sarah Isgur: [The answer on South Bend] was not only a good tone overall, but so perfect for him. It felt sincere. I saw one focus group where out of the whole debate--you know we like contrast, we like the fight..Voters said that the biggest moment of the debate was that moment. I think they said that it was because it was so sincere, it was so unusual for a politician to say, "yeah, I didn't do it."
CNN: Post Democratic Debate Coverage
David Axelrod: When you look back at the last three Democratic presidents who were elected -- Carter, Clinton, and Obama -- they were very comfortable talking about their faith, quoting scripture. And that, from a cultural standpoint, is important. [...]
He showed genuine angst and remorse about both the failures of the programs that he put in place and the loss of life and the suffering that's going on in South Bend -- and I think that was an important moment for him.
The Atlantic: Pete Buttigieg Takes Aim at Religious Hypocrisy
Buttigieg’s knack for speaking in the language of God makes him exceptional within his generation, but it may also be a strength in reaching the swing voters and voters of color whom Democrats so badly need. Of all the candidates onstage, he spoke most directly to the anger that many Americans seem to feel at the way religion has been co-opted by the Trump administration, at odds with the faith they deeply hold. [...]
On the debate stage, Buttigieg gave voice to a view that has become common among Democratic voters: Many of Trump’s policies, along with his conduct as president, do not reflect Christian values.
Washington Post: Power Up
Buttigieg did something novel: Admit some fault...Humility is okay. And when talking about other issues like free college and health care, he managed to offer bold ideas but emphasize realism.
CNN: New Day With Alisyn Camerota and John Berman
David Gregory: I think that he is singularly impressive as someone who can-- the depth of his intelligence. You know, Chris Matthews made this observation the other day that every question he's asked it seems like he just answered it yesterday, because he just seemed so present in that moment. I think that's real skill. I think it's something that Barack Obama had in big measure. And again, that contrast came through.
Andrew Gillum: I couldn't agree with you more as it relates to mayor Pete. He's been through a rough week. And the beauty of it is he didn't shrink from the challenges. He stood up to them. And better than that, he took the moment higher. He recognized what was going on in his own community, but also painted a picture that I think every American could relate to and see themselves in.
FOX 11 LA: Debate Forum
Undecided Voter: There was another moment here and that was when Buttigieg was talking about race and the issue he was dealing with in the city...I mean that was for me a lot more powerful because it seemed a lot more sincere than the canned remark that Kamala Harris had to basically take responsibility for what’s going on. That’s what we need in our next leader.
Undecided Voter: He did it very eloquently, he seemed, like you said, very sincere and he took the responsibility -- it’s my city, my town, I made a mistake.
Undecided Voter: All told I feel like Buttigieg was able to maintain, you can characterize it as a calm, but it’s really he’s committed to his values. He knows what he wants to say. He knows what his issues are and he’s going to give you the same answer every time and there’s a consistency to the way he approaches policy that, I think, is something we should be looking for perhaps.
POLITICO: Playbook
He seems to embrace progressive theories, while pointing out their practical challenges. He doesn't shout, and he's even. He doesn't get too high, or too low.
One of the most powerful yet understated moments of last night's debate in Miami was when Buttigieg was asked about the police shooting in South Bend.
CNN: Buttigieg connects on police issue
David Axelrod: Once again, he took responsibility for his failure as mayor to fully address the underlying issues. But he also spoke of the incident in very human terms; of the man who was killed, his family and the impact on his community.
MSNBC: MSNBC Live
Lawrence O’Donnell: I think Buttigieg has something to teach all of them, which is humility. It's the hardest thing for a politician to pull off, cause you're saying, "look, I'm the greatest. I should be president." But he has humility, and he-- when you got into the question of the police controversy in his town, he said, "look, I haven't gotten this done yet [...]”
On Twitter:
Glenn Kirschner @glennkirschner2: That caught my attention as well. Mayor Pete chose to serve in the military and was deployed to a combat zone. Those are important and formative experiences for someone who aspires to be commander-in-chief of our armed forces.
March For Our Lives @AMarch4OurLives: Gun violence – including suicide – is a public health epidemic, especially for our veterans. Thanks @PeteButtigieg for discussing your plan to institute universal background checks and ban assault rifles at the #DemocraticDebate2020
Amir Talai @AmirTalai Mayor Pete was the only person to mention voting rights tonight. A fundamental issue that the Democratic Party as a whole continues to ignore, and it drives me absolutely crazy. #DemDebate2
Daniel Strauss @DanielStrauss4: This was a pretty important point in Buttigieg's campaign so far. There was no apologizing, no excuses, he just owned it. It was a "buck stops with me" moment.
Jen Psaki @jrpsaki: If anyone is teaching media training classes for how to speak in english about complicated topics on television--@PeteButtigieg is masterful at it. never mentions bills, never mentions DC garbely gook.
Steve Grossman @SteveGrossmanMA: Mayor @PeteButtigieg showed tonight that straight talk, common sense Midwestern values, bold solutions, and a 21st century vision for the future make him the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump. #DemDebate2 #PeteForAmerica #PeteButtigieg
Radley Balko @RadleyBalko Missed the first half of the debate, but I just watched Buttigieg’s answer on policing in South Bend. It’s a rare and impressive thing for a politician to be willing to admit a mistake, and to show some humility.
Musadiq Bidar @Bidar411 In Des Moines, Lu Ann, a healthcare data analyst said she liked @PeteButtigieg and thought his answers were "very smooth" and "had depth" - she felt he was only one who had substance and added Mayor Pete could bring "a new generation of leadership"
Zach Wahls @ZachWahls: It was only four years ago that this country legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, and tonight an openly gay candidate delivered a top performance in a debate to become President of the United States. Great closing statement from Mayor @PeteButtigieg.
Charlotte Clymer
️
@cmclymer:
Pete
Buttigieg
not
only
had
the
most
powerful
moment
of
the
night
but
one
of
the most extraordinary moments I've seen in any debate ever.
That was incredible, and it was just straightforward honesty.
#DemDebate2
Brady @Bradybuzz: .@PeteButtigieg nailed it
#DemDebate #EndGunViolence
Beyond Carbon @BeyondCarbon Pete Buttigieg focused on how Midwestern states and cities are facing the climate crisis now— and are leading the way with critical solutions:
Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: The consensus among very engaged members of the 900-member Rossmoor Democrats is clear: Show of hands among several hundred shows them enthusiastically split between @KamalaHarris and @PeteButtigieg as #DemDebate winners, with @JoeBiden as close third. No one else even close.
Joshua Short @JoshuaShortWNDU Mayor Pete Buttigieg, the most searched candidate in Iowa on @Google following Thursday night’s debate.
Pete for America
June 28, 2019 8:44 a.m.
What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete’s Debate Performance
And
the
beauty
of
it
is
he
didn't
shrink
from
the
challenges.
He
stood
up
to
them. And better than that, he took the moment higher. - Andrew
Gillum
Of all the candidates onstage, he spoke most directly to the anger that many Americans seem to feel at the way religion has been co-opted by the Trump administration, at odds with the faith they deeply hold. - The Atlantic
Of all the candidates onstage, he spoke most directly to the anger that many Americans seem to feel at the way religion has been co-opted by the Trump administration, at odds with the faith they deeply hold. - The Atlantic
CNN: New Day With Alisyn Camerota and John Berman
Alisyn Camerota: He has a fluency with speaking about religion in a way that not all candidates do.
Bakari Sellers: There were also a lot of people when Pete Buttigieg said that answer also screaming and jumping and saying their amens. I would argue that the Democratic Party is a little bit more conservative on religion than people give it credit for, especially the base of the party, in particular African Americans. [...]
There are a lot of people who are sick and tired of Republicans thinking that GOP stands for God's only party. That's simply not the case. And Pete Buttigieg is handling that. When you have individuals out there like the Jerry Falwells of the world and the Franklin Grahams of the world and Mr. Two Corinthians himself, the President of the United States, and then you have someone who's very sobering in Pete Buttigieg, you see that there is a clear difference.
Sarah Isgur: [The answer on South Bend] was not only a good tone overall, but so perfect for him. It felt sincere. I saw one focus group where out of the whole debate--you know we like contrast, we like the fight..Voters said that the biggest moment of the debate was that moment. I think they said that it was because it was so sincere, it was so unusual for a politician to say, "yeah, I didn't do it."
CNN: Post Democratic Debate Coverage
David Axelrod: When you look back at the last three Democratic presidents who were elected -- Carter, Clinton, and Obama -- they were very comfortable talking about their faith, quoting scripture. And that, from a cultural standpoint, is important. [...]
He showed genuine angst and remorse about both the failures of the programs that he put in place and the loss of life and the suffering that's going on in South Bend -- and I think that was an important moment for him.
The Atlantic: Pete Buttigieg Takes Aim at Religious Hypocrisy
Buttigieg’s knack for speaking in the language of God makes him exceptional within his generation, but it may also be a strength in reaching the swing voters and voters of color whom Democrats so badly need. Of all the candidates onstage, he spoke most directly to the anger that many Americans seem to feel at the way religion has been co-opted by the Trump administration, at odds with the faith they deeply hold. [...]
On the debate stage, Buttigieg gave voice to a view that has become common among Democratic voters: Many of Trump’s policies, along with his conduct as president, do not reflect Christian values.
Washington Post: Power Up
Buttigieg did something novel: Admit some fault...Humility is okay. And when talking about other issues like free college and health care, he managed to offer bold ideas but emphasize realism.
CNN: New Day With Alisyn Camerota and John Berman
David Gregory: I think that he is singularly impressive as someone who can-- the depth of his intelligence. You know, Chris Matthews made this observation the other day that every question he's asked it seems like he just answered it yesterday, because he just seemed so present in that moment. I think that's real skill. I think it's something that Barack Obama had in big measure. And again, that contrast came through.
Andrew Gillum: I couldn't agree with you more as it relates to mayor Pete. He's been through a rough week. And the beauty of it is he didn't shrink from the challenges. He stood up to them. And better than that, he took the moment higher. He recognized what was going on in his own community, but also painted a picture that I think every American could relate to and see themselves in.
FOX 11 LA: Debate Forum
Undecided Voter: There was another moment here and that was when Buttigieg was talking about race and the issue he was dealing with in the city...I mean that was for me a lot more powerful because it seemed a lot more sincere than the canned remark that Kamala Harris had to basically take responsibility for what’s going on. That’s what we need in our next leader.
Undecided Voter: He did it very eloquently, he seemed, like you said, very sincere and he took the responsibility -- it’s my city, my town, I made a mistake.
Undecided Voter: All told I feel like Buttigieg was able to maintain, you can characterize it as a calm, but it’s really he’s committed to his values. He knows what he wants to say. He knows what his issues are and he’s going to give you the same answer every time and there’s a consistency to the way he approaches policy that, I think, is something we should be looking for perhaps.
POLITICO: Playbook
He seems to embrace progressive theories, while pointing out their practical challenges. He doesn't shout, and he's even. He doesn't get too high, or too low.
One of the most powerful yet understated moments of last night's debate in Miami was when Buttigieg was asked about the police shooting in South Bend.
CNN: Buttigieg connects on police issue
David Axelrod: Once again, he took responsibility for his failure as mayor to fully address the underlying issues. But he also spoke of the incident in very human terms; of the man who was killed, his family and the impact on his community.
MSNBC: MSNBC Live
Lawrence O’Donnell: I think Buttigieg has something to teach all of them, which is humility. It's the hardest thing for a politician to pull off, cause you're saying, "look, I'm the greatest. I should be president." But he has humility, and he-- when you got into the question of the police controversy in his town, he said, "look, I haven't gotten this done yet [...]”
On Twitter:
Glenn Kirschner @glennkirschner2: That caught my attention as well. Mayor Pete chose to serve in the military and was deployed to a combat zone. Those are important and formative experiences for someone who aspires to be commander-in-chief of our armed forces.
March For Our Lives @AMarch4OurLives: Gun violence – including suicide – is a public health epidemic, especially for our veterans. Thanks @PeteButtigieg for discussing your plan to institute universal background checks and ban assault rifles at the #DemocraticDebate2020
Amir Talai @AmirTalai Mayor Pete was the only person to mention voting rights tonight. A fundamental issue that the Democratic Party as a whole continues to ignore, and it drives me absolutely crazy. #DemDebate2
Daniel Strauss @DanielStrauss4: This was a pretty important point in Buttigieg's campaign so far. There was no apologizing, no excuses, he just owned it. It was a "buck stops with me" moment.
Jen Psaki @jrpsaki: If anyone is teaching media training classes for how to speak in english about complicated topics on television--@PeteButtigieg is masterful at it. never mentions bills, never mentions DC garbely gook.
Steve Grossman @SteveGrossmanMA: Mayor @PeteButtigieg showed tonight that straight talk, common sense Midwestern values, bold solutions, and a 21st century vision for the future make him the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump. #DemDebate2 #PeteForAmerica #PeteButtigieg
Radley Balko @RadleyBalko Missed the first half of the debate, but I just watched Buttigieg’s answer on policing in South Bend. It’s a rare and impressive thing for a politician to be willing to admit a mistake, and to show some humility.
Musadiq Bidar @Bidar411 In Des Moines, Lu Ann, a healthcare data analyst said she liked @PeteButtigieg and thought his answers were "very smooth" and "had depth" - she felt he was only one who had substance and added Mayor Pete could bring "a new generation of leadership"
Zach Wahls @ZachWahls: It was only four years ago that this country legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, and tonight an openly gay candidate delivered a top performance in a debate to become President of the United States. Great closing statement from Mayor @PeteButtigieg.
Charlotte Clymer
Brady @Bradybuzz: .@PeteButtigieg nailed it
Beyond Carbon @BeyondCarbon Pete Buttigieg focused on how Midwestern states and cities are facing the climate crisis now— and are leading the way with critical solutions:
Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: The consensus among very engaged members of the 900-member Rossmoor Democrats is clear: Show of hands among several hundred shows them enthusiastically split between @KamalaHarris and @PeteButtigieg as #DemDebate winners, with @JoeBiden as close third. No one else even close.
Joshua Short @JoshuaShortWNDU Mayor Pete Buttigieg, the most searched candidate in Iowa on @Google following Thursday night’s debate.
________________
Pete for America
June 28, 2019
What People Are Saying About Mayor Pete’s Debate Night
So, the brilliance of
Buttigieg last night was that he occupied both lanes...It was in the
primary lane, but it was also in that 20% general electorate lane and I
thought it was brilliant. - Rep. Steve Israel
MSNBC: MSNBC Live With Stephanie Ruhle
Tim Miller: I thought that was a moving moment. It was a moving moment in the room. And the people that Pete can speak to are religious voters who are uncomfortable with Trump. [...] I think Pete is very comfortable talking about his faith and did a great job last night.
Steve Israel: 35 percent of the electorate is with Donald Trump no matter how many rape allegations are brought forward. They love him. They're the people he had in mind when he said I can shoot somebody on fifth avenue and not lose votes. 45 percent of the American electorate loathes Donald Trump, no matter what good he may do or has done, they're voting against him. What I think Buttigieg did yesterday is, he touched the 20 percent that have not yet made the judgement. So, the brilliance of Buttigieg last night was that he occupied both lanes. [...] It was in the primary lane, but it was also in that 20% general electorate lane and I thought it was brilliant.
Matt Gorman: One of the other issues I saw that he did a really good job at was he defended private insurance without coming across as a swish or a moderate. He did it reasonably. He threaded that tight rope in a very real way.
CNN: CNN Newsroom with Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto
Mark Preston: What an amazing moment for this reason and this reason alone, very authentic, talking about the struggles he's feeling, and it's not from a "traditional marriage," which you would hear on the debate stage. Guess what, not everybody's in a traditional marriage. And guess what, America's changing. And Pete Buttigieg really explained that in a way that I thought was very very compelling.
POLITICO MAGAZINE: Mayor Pete is our Best Bipartisan Hope
The other big winner was Pete Buttigieg, whose smooth intelligence and moral seriousness stood out...His eloquent denunciation of Republicans for their religious hypocrisy shows that he can detonate a viral moment with the best of them.
He’s likable, clearly very smart, has a vision, can articulate it, and a lot of people from all different philosophical backgrounds will appreciate that he’s a veteran. It’s a very positive distinguisher in this field.
NEWS RADIO WFLA: Thoughts On Night #2
The other standout candidate from Night #2 was Pete Buttigieg, who offered up substantive answers with a calm, cool demeanor throughout the debate. He was the only candidate either night to mention religion and rural America, and he took responsibility for his failures as a mayor in creating a more diverse police force in South Bend.
CNN: CNN Newsroom With Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto
David Gergen: [Mayor Pete] relates much better to the younger generation... And I think showing vulnerability and showing some humility, that was very appealing to that age group.
Jewish Journal: The Most Powerful Line of the Year
In a line that ought to resonate in all civics classrooms and enter the pantheon of our political discourse, Buttigieg looked at us and said, simply: “I couldn’t get it done.” The idea of a politician admitting failure so publicly was so disruptive to the prefabricated media drama of candidates battling each other that it slipped by like a ship in the night.
CNN: CNN Newsroom With Brooke Baldwin
Brett O’Donnell: Mayor Pete was able to have a moment of vulnerability. I think that he will get a lot of credit from everyone in the audience for that.
MSNBC: MSNBC Live
Jacqueline Alemany: Just in the makeup room before I came up here, the makeup artists were talking about how it was so refreshing that he was so honest and took accountability. It's not something we see often [...]
On Twitter:
On Point NPR @OnPointRadio .@JackBeattyNPR on Mayor Pete Buttigieg taking responsibility: "That was a moment of rare grace. We don't hear that from our politicians. They make mistakes like the rest of us, they never admit them. Mr. Trump. notably, but not just him..."
Glynda Carr @glyndacarr .@PeteButtigieg effectively brought his faith to #demdebate and proposed a faith in action approach.
David Cantinese @DavidCantinese @PeteButtigieg’s answer on how he couldn’t diversify his police dept. was the most refreshing and honest answer of the night.
Exavier Pope @exavierpope Saying I was wrong worked for Mayor Pete
Andy Lassner @andylassner Worked last night. Just watched the whole debate. Not that my opinion matters, but @KamalaHarris and @PeteButtigieg both made me feel like I’d sleep well at night if they were in the White House.
Sean Shaw @SShawFL The answer that @PeteButtigieg gave re: the tragedy in his commmunity encapsulates everything I like about him...smart, thoughtful, honest, and authentic. #demdebate #teampete #democraticdebate
Gillibrand 2020
June 28, 2019
GILLIBRAND’S DEBATE BREAKOUTS
Performance shows why she is the strongest candidate on women’s
rights, rooting out political corruption, taking on President Trump,
and handling the threat of war with Iran
At tonight’s Democratic presidential debate, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand demonstrated to voters that she has the strength to take on the fights for women and families that no one else will, and that she has the vision, record and toughness to beat President Trump. On stage, Gillibrand drew strong contrasts between herself and the rest of the Democratic field, highlighting her distinction as...
The fiercest fighter for women in the field.
As observers have consistently noted, no candidate in the field can match Gillibrand’s advocacy for women’s reproductive and human rights. She was the first candidate to pledge to only nominate judges who will uphold Roe v. Wade, and traveled to the frontlines in Georgia to stand with patients and providers to roll out the most robust reproductive rights agenda in the field, and prompted other 2020 Democrats to follow suit. Tonight she further cemented her leadership on women’s issues, issuing a blistering answer that conveyed one thing: she will not negotiate on women’s reproductive and human rights.
[tweet]
The only candidate with a comprehensive plan to take on political corruption and get money out of politics.
In the first night of debates, no candidate discussed the urgent need to root out corruption by publicly funding our elections. And for all of the progressive ideas shared on either stage, no candidate has put out a comprehensive plan to make them possible while special interest greed, corruption, and gridlock still paralyze Washington. That changed tonight, when Gillibrand highlighted her Clean Elections Plan, a bold plan to take on political corruption through clean publicly funded elections. Ethics expert Lawrence Lessig said that “her ‘Democracy Dollar’ program Is THE MOST transformative of any” in the field.
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The strongest anti-Trump candidate.
After a night when many Democratic candidates conspicuously avoided mentioning President Trump, Gillibrand went straight at the president, highlighting that fact that she has opposed his agenda more than any other senator or 2020 candidate.
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The best equipped to deal with the imminent threat of war with Iran.
Ten candidates were asked about the biggest foreign policy change they would make as president. Only Senator Gillibrand talked about pulling us back from the brink of war with Iran.
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Gillibrand 2020
June 28, 2019
Taking note of her leadership on women’s reproductive rights and paid family leave as well as her bold plan to remove money from politics and establish publicly funded elections, voters across the Granite State were impressed and excited by Senator Gillibrand’s performance last night.
See below for a roundup of reactions from New Hampshire voters:
"Last night, Senator Gillibrand reaffirmed exactly why I endorsed her in the first place: her commitment to helping families is unparalleled." - State Representative Sue Ford, Easton, NH
“Senator Gillibrand showed us that she is a fierce advocate for women and families. Her spoken commitment to paid family and medical leave, a women’s right to choose, and gun violence prevention, helps to narrow the broad field of candidates.” - Jenn Alford-Teaster, Bradford, NH
“Women’s reproductive rights are under attack across the country. It was great to see Senator Gillibrand continue to lead on the issue last night on the debate stage. She is right- we have to do more than defend reproductive rights when they’re under attack, we must also proactively fight to expand access to safe, legal abortion for woman everywhere.” - Amelia Keane, Nashua, NH
“Senator Gillibrand’s commitment to standing up for women’s reproductive rights is unparalleled and that showed on last night’s debate stage.” - Laurie McCray, Portsmouth, NH
“Sen Gillibrand really showed her strength and tenacity. The mighty powerhouse who took on the Pentagon about sexual harassment was on full display.” - Debby Butler, Concord, NH
“I was impressed by her tenacity and repeated support for women’s reproductive justice. She held her own, made strong points and came across as a fighter.” - NH Women’s Caucus Co-Chair Anne Ketterer, Manchester, NH
“Last night Gillibrand passionately spoke up for every woman who has ever been interrupted by men. I appreciate the ways in which she made herself heard and I’m glad to have her voice in the conversation.” - Josie Pinto, Concord, NH
Gillibrand 2020
June 28, 2019
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Gillibrand broke through by staking out a position as the fiercest fighter for women's reproductive rights, laying out her plan to root out political corruption, forcefully denouncing President Trump, and offering the most clear-eyed assessment about the threat of war with Iran.
Kirsten Gillibrand gave her opponents a history lesson on abortion politics at the debate | Vox
By Anna North
[...] Gillibrand was making a crucial point. There’s broad agreement on abortion rights across the Democratic field this year — nearly every candidate now supports repealing Hyde and codifying Roe v. Wade in statute, among other changes. But supporting those policies and making them a priority are two different things. And Gillibrand was calling her colleagues out on their commitment to fighting for abortion rights.
2020 Democrats traded wonkery for debate night pyrotechnics. Here’s how our readers felt about that. | ThinkProgress
By Adam Peck
[...] Readers also gave Rep. Eric Swalwell recognition for a few good lines throughout the debate, but of the candidates outside the four front-runners, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made the best impression with our readers.
“The real star of this debate was Kirsten Gillibrand — she came out frequently, forcefully and intelligently,” said Earl at the end of the evening.
Kirsten Gillibrand focuses message on women’s rights and money in politics | Miami Herald
By Joey Flechas
[...] The role of outsized campaign contributions was a theme that ran through a two-hour debate where she was punchy in her messaging, keeping to a streamlined set of talking points as some other candidates received more airtime.
During her key moments in Thursday’s Democratic debate, the New York senator hammered on her plan to create a system of publicly funded elections — “clean elections” as she calls them.
"It's My Turn": Biden & Bernie Couldn't Stop Interrupting Everyone | Refinery29
By Tiffany Diane Tso
[...] Gillibrand gave the male candidates a run for their money and decided to cut in as well — leading some on Twitter to call her out, while others celebrated her gumption. During the conversation on Medicare For All, the New York senator cut in to take credit for the portion of the bill she wrote allowing people to keep their private insurance during a transition period.
“Medicare for all” vs. “Medicare for all who want it” at the Democratic debate, explained | Vox
By Dylan Scott
[...] Gillibrand pointed to the provision in the Senate bill, which she wrote, setting up a four-year transition period. During that time, Americans would be allowed to buy into the new government plan. Gillibrand argued Medicare-for-all could win in competition with private insurance, rather than winning by default if the latter is abolished.
Gillibrand shows verve in debate, but will it raise her profile? | Albany Times Union
By Dan Freedman
[...] But her most fervent words came in the second hour of the debate when she talked about her promise to reform the role of money in politics with publicly funded elections and the rollback of the Supreme Court's Citizen United decision, which permitted unlimited big dollars to flow into SuperPACs organized primarily to trash opposition candidates.
The Key Moments From The Second Presidential Primary Debate | Refinery29
By Tiffany Diane Tso, Andrea González-Ramírez, Natalie Gontcharova
[...] Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand took a not-so-subtle swipe at Joe Biden by mentioning the Hyde Amendment, on which he has flip-flopped.
"Women's reproductive rights are under assault by President Trump and the Republican Party," Gillibrand said. "I think we have to stop playing defense and start playing offense. But let me tell you one thing about politics... When the door is closed and negotiations are made, there are conversations about women's rights and compromises have been made on our backs. That's how we got to Hyde, that's how the Hyde Amendment was created, a compromise by leaders of both parties." She added, to applause: "I have been the fiercest advocate for women's reproductive freedom for over a decade."
On Twitter, progressive voices praised Senator Gillibrand for her ideas on immigration, publicly funded elections proposal, and abortion rights and paid family leave policy proposals.
Gillibrand 2020
June 28, 2019
GILLIBRAND’S DEBATE PERFORMANCE IMPRESSES NH VOTERS
Last night, New Hampshire took notice as Senator Gillibrand highlighted her record of taking on the tough fights in Washington and getting things done for families and women across the country. In doing so, Gillibrand proved why she is uniquely prepared to take on and beat Donald Trump, just days before she's set to return to New Hampshire for a marathon visit.Taking note of her leadership on women’s reproductive rights and paid family leave as well as her bold plan to remove money from politics and establish publicly funded elections, voters across the Granite State were impressed and excited by Senator Gillibrand’s performance last night.
See below for a roundup of reactions from New Hampshire voters:
"Last night, Senator Gillibrand reaffirmed exactly why I endorsed her in the first place: her commitment to helping families is unparalleled." - State Representative Sue Ford, Easton, NH
“Senator Gillibrand showed us that she is a fierce advocate for women and families. Her spoken commitment to paid family and medical leave, a women’s right to choose, and gun violence prevention, helps to narrow the broad field of candidates.” - Jenn Alford-Teaster, Bradford, NH
“Women’s reproductive rights are under attack across the country. It was great to see Senator Gillibrand continue to lead on the issue last night on the debate stage. She is right- we have to do more than defend reproductive rights when they’re under attack, we must also proactively fight to expand access to safe, legal abortion for woman everywhere.” - Amelia Keane, Nashua, NH
“Senator Gillibrand’s commitment to standing up for women’s reproductive rights is unparalleled and that showed on last night’s debate stage.” - Laurie McCray, Portsmouth, NH
“Sen Gillibrand really showed her strength and tenacity. The mighty powerhouse who took on the Pentagon about sexual harassment was on full display.” - Debby Butler, Concord, NH
“I was impressed by her tenacity and repeated support for women’s reproductive justice. She held her own, made strong points and came across as a fighter.” - NH Women’s Caucus Co-Chair Anne Ketterer, Manchester, NH
“Last night Gillibrand passionately spoke up for every woman who has ever been interrupted by men. I appreciate the ways in which she made herself heard and I’m glad to have her voice in the conversation.” - Josie Pinto, Concord, NH
###
Gillibrand 2020
June 28, 2019
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
ICYMI: GILLIBRAND BREAKS THROUGH DEBATE ON ABORTION RIGHTS, PAID LEAVE, AND GETTING MONEY OUT OF POLITICS
At last night's debate, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand demonstrated to voters that she has the strength to take on the fights for women and families that no one else will, and that she has the vision, record and toughness to beat President Trump.Gillibrand broke through by staking out a position as the fiercest fighter for women's reproductive rights, laying out her plan to root out political corruption, forcefully denouncing President Trump, and offering the most clear-eyed assessment about the threat of war with Iran.
Kirsten Gillibrand gave her opponents a history lesson on abortion politics at the debate | Vox
By Anna North
[...] Gillibrand was making a crucial point. There’s broad agreement on abortion rights across the Democratic field this year — nearly every candidate now supports repealing Hyde and codifying Roe v. Wade in statute, among other changes. But supporting those policies and making them a priority are two different things. And Gillibrand was calling her colleagues out on their commitment to fighting for abortion rights.
2020 Democrats traded wonkery for debate night pyrotechnics. Here’s how our readers felt about that. | ThinkProgress
By Adam Peck
[...] Readers also gave Rep. Eric Swalwell recognition for a few good lines throughout the debate, but of the candidates outside the four front-runners, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made the best impression with our readers.
“The real star of this debate was Kirsten Gillibrand — she came out frequently, forcefully and intelligently,” said Earl at the end of the evening.
Kirsten Gillibrand focuses message on women’s rights and money in politics | Miami Herald
By Joey Flechas
[...] The role of outsized campaign contributions was a theme that ran through a two-hour debate where she was punchy in her messaging, keeping to a streamlined set of talking points as some other candidates received more airtime.
During her key moments in Thursday’s Democratic debate, the New York senator hammered on her plan to create a system of publicly funded elections — “clean elections” as she calls them.
"It's My Turn": Biden & Bernie Couldn't Stop Interrupting Everyone | Refinery29
By Tiffany Diane Tso
[...] Gillibrand gave the male candidates a run for their money and decided to cut in as well — leading some on Twitter to call her out, while others celebrated her gumption. During the conversation on Medicare For All, the New York senator cut in to take credit for the portion of the bill she wrote allowing people to keep their private insurance during a transition period.
“Medicare for all” vs. “Medicare for all who want it” at the Democratic debate, explained | Vox
By Dylan Scott
[...] Gillibrand pointed to the provision in the Senate bill, which she wrote, setting up a four-year transition period. During that time, Americans would be allowed to buy into the new government plan. Gillibrand argued Medicare-for-all could win in competition with private insurance, rather than winning by default if the latter is abolished.
Gillibrand shows verve in debate, but will it raise her profile? | Albany Times Union
By Dan Freedman
[...] But her most fervent words came in the second hour of the debate when she talked about her promise to reform the role of money in politics with publicly funded elections and the rollback of the Supreme Court's Citizen United decision, which permitted unlimited big dollars to flow into SuperPACs organized primarily to trash opposition candidates.
The Key Moments From The Second Presidential Primary Debate | Refinery29
By Tiffany Diane Tso, Andrea González-Ramírez, Natalie Gontcharova
[...] Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand took a not-so-subtle swipe at Joe Biden by mentioning the Hyde Amendment, on which he has flip-flopped.
"Women's reproductive rights are under assault by President Trump and the Republican Party," Gillibrand said. "I think we have to stop playing defense and start playing offense. But let me tell you one thing about politics... When the door is closed and negotiations are made, there are conversations about women's rights and compromises have been made on our backs. That's how we got to Hyde, that's how the Hyde Amendment was created, a compromise by leaders of both parties." She added, to applause: "I have been the fiercest advocate for women's reproductive freedom for over a decade."
On Twitter, progressive voices praised Senator Gillibrand for her ideas on immigration, publicly funded elections proposal, and abortion rights and paid family leave policy proposals.
Kamala for the People
June 28, 2019 12:10 a.m.
Iowans Agree: Kamala Harris Dominated at Debate
Iowa
Caucusgoers
Highlight
Kamala
Harris’
Tangible
Solutions
to
Pressing
Problems
and
Why
She Is Best Candidate to Beat Trump
Caucusgoers from across Iowa agree: Senator Kamala Harris dominated at tonight’s debate and showed why she is the best candidate to prosecute the case against four more years of Donald Trump.
Tonight on the debate stage, Harris outlined her plan to deliver real, tangible solutions for the challenges American families face. Her entire agenda - a “3AM Agenda” as she called it - is about finding solutions for the issues that wake people up at night and taking action to make their lives better.
Harris will be back in Iowa July 3 - 5 to discuss her 3 AM Agenda. She will visit Des Moines, Indianola, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City.
Here are some early reviews from caucusgoers and reporters across Iowa:
- Zach Wahls, Iowa State Senator, Johnson County - “Harris is on fire tonight.”
- Barbara Rodriguez, Des Moines Register - “.@KamalaHarris had a very good night, and I think Iowans will be excited to see her in the state next week. #iacaucus”
- Vicky Brenner, Former Candidate for State Senate - “Harris had probably one of the best responses in the first ten minutes,” Brenner said. “It’s so hard with this many people on stage.”
- Prakash Kopparapu, Chair of the Iowa Asian and Latino Coalition - “My first comment of Day 2 - ‘Thank you Sen. Harris’ ... I almost changed channel.... She might have saved the viewership…”
- Josh Hughes, School Board Member - “Strong answer from @KamalaHarris on immigration & the border. Easy to see her courtroom chops shining through.”
- Ginny Davis, Waukee, IA Teacher - "I'm caucusing for kamala harris because i think it's time, we need a woman in the White House to fight for women's issues. I'm also a teacher, and Senator Harris is pro-teacher all the way. And I know she's going to beat Donald Trump."
- Judy Stevens, Fairfield, IA - "She related everything so personally and paints a very engaging picture."
- Sara C., Fort Dodge, IA - "When I saw Kamala questioning Brett Kavanaugh, I said she should be the next President. Tonight after the debate, that choice was sealed for me. Im all for Kamala. "
- Gabi Watkins, 21 Des Moines, IA - “I had my doubts about Kamala going into things, but she’s proved to be both well-spoken and thoughtful,” Watkins said. “Her comments on immigration and deportation of undocumented innocents especially caught my attention.”
______________________
Kamala for the People
June 28, 2019 12:55 a.m.
Kamala Harris Dominates Stage in the First Democratic Primary Debate
“Sharpest Politician on
This Stage” “Not to be Messed with” “Very Impressive” “Smart as Hell”
Senator Kamala Harris delivered a commanding performance in the first Democratic primary debate -- distinguishing herself from the field and proving she is best-equipped to take on Donald Trump.
Harris was the only candidate on either night of the debates to demonstrate exactly what Democratic voters want: presidential leadership, an agenda that addresses the problems that keep people up at night, and the ability to beat Trump in the general election.
She clearly rose above the fray to focus on the issues that matter to everyday Americans and delivered a powerful story about the pain racism caused her as a child. Harris laid out her “3AM Agenda” rooted in solutions that will have a direct and immediate effect on people’s lives, paychecks, and health care. Her performance tonight proved, yet again, that she is the best candidate in the field to prosecute the case against four more years of Trump.
Here are some of what they’re saying about Kamala’s performance:
- The Atlantic: Kamala Harris Seizes the Moment. Again.
- Rolling Stone: Watch Kamala Harris Demolish Joe Biden on Race During the Democratic Debate
- BuzzFeed: Kamala Harris Just Showed How She'd Take On Trump
- ABC: Harris soars at debate, as Democrats’ fault lines trip up Biden
- New York Magazine: Kamala Harris Made Joe Biden Answer for His Past
- Washington Post: Kamala Harris hits a home run
- New York Magazine: Kamala Harris Just Jumped Into the Top Tier
- New Yorker: Kamala Harris Is the Best Storyteller on the Democratic Stage
- New York Times: Kamala Harris Makes the Case That Joe Biden Should Pass the Torch to Her
- Daily Beast: Kamala Harris Shows She’s Here to Capture the Crown
- Vox: Kamala Harris made her opponents look like squabbling children
- Deray McKesson, Civil Rights Activists: Kamala is one of the only people I’ve seen over these two nights that simply came off as presidential.
- Jonathan Chait, New York Magazine: Kamala Harris just jumped into the top tier.
- Edward-Isaac Dovere, The Atlantic: one of the biggest questions going into night 2 of the Democratic debates was whether @KamalaHarris would show up and make a splash - and she clearly did
- Tommy Vietor, former White House Official: Kamala is good at this
- Sydney Ember in the New York Times live chat: Harris is commanding the stage right now.
- Astead Herndon in the New York Times live chat: Harris really leaning into her prosecutor background on guns, huge applause. She’s mopped them this debate.
- Barbara Rodriguez, Des Moines Register: .@KamalaHarris had a very good night, and I think Iowans will be excited to see her in the state next week. #iacaucus
- Miami Herald: Miami Herald Editorial Board: On final night of debates, who stood out? Kamala Harris
- Trevor Noah, Comedian: Yeah, after Kamala did what she did tonight, Joe Biden, your time might be up.
- Jon Ralston, Nevada Independent: This is amazing by Harris vs. Biden. She seized the moment and went after him. After being given 30 seconds, she went for 2 minutes. Masterful.
- Molly Hensley-Clancy, BuzzFeed Reporter: Kamala Harris took control of a chaotic debate that was expected to be dominated by two older white male frontrunners — and left one of them rattled.
- Van Jones, CNN Commentator: If Kamala Harris were president of the United States I would sleep like a baby. She is not to be messed with. #DemDebate @CNN @AC360
- Van Jones on CNN: "Kamala Harris had a moment - that was two hours long. If you had any doubt that you could nominate a woman that would take Donald Trump to the woodshed…
- March For Our Lives:.@KamalaHarris has been an ally for a long time, and we’re thrilled she discussed her plans to prevent gun violence legislation through Congress or an executive order. One way or another, she’s prioritizing lives over profits! #DemocraticDebate2019
- Joyce Alene, MSNBC Contributor: She was direct & it was moving. I’m starting to think Kamala Harris is the person who can lead this country through a productive conversation about race.
- Paul Begala, CNN Contributor: All you people who thought @JulianCastro won last night’s debate? Let me introduce you to @KamalaHarris.
- Greg Sargent, Washington Post: Remarkable. Kamala Harris is making an electability argument for herself through one display of toughness after another, all rooted in biography and experience.
- Michael Steele, Former RNC Chairman, As she watched her opponents resort to aggressive cross talk this happened: “Guys, America doesn’t want to witness a food fight, they want to know we’re going to put food on their table” -@KamalaHarris Boom! #DemDebate
- Christopher Cadelago, Politico: Kamala Harris has basically been flawless, inserting herself in the conversation and using her time to plug her agenda in crisp lines. “Food fight” line was expertly timed
- Atima Omara, Political Strategist: Senator Harris did what is hard for many of us people of color in politics, calling out our white colleagues when they've done/said problematic things on race. It's HARD, and I'm glad she did it #DemocraticDebate #DemDebate
- Matt Brennan, LA Times Editor, Pssst: As @LorraineAli wrote for @latimes in her #DemDebate preview, Kamala Harris is "a game-changing phenomenon in the waiting." I think the wait is over.
- Dan Fagin, NYU Journalism Professor, So far tonight, at least, the sharpest politician on this stage, by far, is Kamala Harris. #DemDebate
- EJ Dionne, Columnist: So far, Harris had the best moment. Asked if Dems should show how they would pay for all their plans, she asks why Republicans weren’t ask the same question when they passed their big tax cut. It was a great point, and popular with Dems. #DemocraticDebate
- Steven Beschloss, Journalist: Kamala Harris is having a good night—a combination of righteous anger and compassionate storytelling. She’s also succeeded at quieting the men talking over each other.
- Kate Palmer, Huffington Post: Kamala has so far stood alone among all these 20 candidates as the Democrat who can both fight and empathize. Very impressive tonight.
- Anthony Man, Broward Politics: The candidate commanding media attention after Democratic debate night two is @KamalaHarris.
- Ana Navarro-Cárdenas, Republican Strategist, CNN commentator: I am loving @KamalaHarris tonight. I so want to see her debating Trump. She is everything he is not: Empathetic. Smart as hell. Lawful. Knowledgeable. Eloquent. Unifying. Composed. Adult. Sane. Not racist. Not misogynist. Not “pendejo”.
- 538 Live Chat: I won’t mince words: Kamala Harris did really well. She delivered one of the strongest moments in American debate history when she criticized Biden over his association with segregationist senators — she did it in a gentle yet devastating way. I think a lot of people will watch that moment and see the candidate they want to debate Donald Trump. She was strong other than that, too. Her anger at the Trump administration was palpable, and she used emotional appeal to great effect.
###
__________________
June 28, 2019 11:11 a.m.
Kamala Harris’ Commanding Debate Performance Continues to Dominate
the Conversation
“Kamala Harris clearly
won the debate tonight, and it wasn't close” “The Most Valuable Player
trophy goes to Harris. She owned the stage.”
Last night, Senator Kamala Harris outshined the field on the
debate stage in Miami, delivering a standout performance and handily
winning the first
Democratic primary debate. Harris focused on her “3AM Agenda” and made
clear she will always speak truth on the pressing issues facing
Americans. Harris also demonstrated that she is the candidate who is
best prepared to effectively prosecute the case against four more years
of Trump. From the Miami Herald’s editorial board:
“Kamala Harris owned the stage and the
night.”
“She was sharp, commanding, spunky, touching…”
“Harris showed Thursday night that she is a serious candidate. The audience seemed to fall in love with her more as the night went on.”
“As she rose, other candidates faded or performed as expected. Sanders was Sanders. In both debates, Harris showed she has the most developed muscle to go toe-to-toe with President Trump in televised presidential debates.”
“She was sharp, commanding, spunky, touching…”
“Harris showed Thursday night that she is a serious candidate. The audience seemed to fall in love with her more as the night went on.”
“As she rose, other candidates faded or performed as expected. Sanders was Sanders. In both debates, Harris showed she has the most developed muscle to go toe-to-toe with President Trump in televised presidential debates.”
From Ana Navarro, CNN commentator:
In fact, the Most Valuable Player trophy goes to Harris. She owned the stage. She put into practice the skills she’s honed as a prosecutor and as a senator. Biden was visibly shaken when she confronted him on issues of race and his past actions.
I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to have her debate Trump.
Kamala Harris is everything Trump is not:
Empathetic.
Humane.
Smart as hell.
Lawful.
Knowledgeable.
Eloquent.
Unifying.
Composed.
Adult.
Sane.
Not racist.
Not misogynist.
Not “pendejo”.
Reviews from the Early Primary States:
- Barbara Rodriguez, Des Moines Register - “.@KamalaHarris had a very good night, and I think Iowans will be excited to see her in the state next week. #iacaucus”
- Zach Wahls, Iowa State Senator, Johnson County - “Harris is on fire tonight.”
- James Pindell, political reporter at the Boston Globe and longtime New Hampshire primary reporter: “A++...After two nights and four hours of debate, there was one unquestionable winner: Harris. In a flawless performance, she told the story of her campaign, showed her empathy and toughness...The perfect metaphor for her dominant performance came early on, when she rose above the fracas to say, “America does not want to witness a food fight, they want to know how we’re going to put food on their table.” And every person on stage, whether they were behind the podium or the moderator’s table, stopped to listen to her.”
- Danta Scala, University of New Hampshire professor and New Hampshire political expert: “It was a big step forward for Harris...that was one of the best debate performances I’ve seen in a long time.”
- WMUR: “We asked the people coming out of the debate what they thought. they were nearly universal in saying they thought Senator Kamala Harris emerged the strongest.”
- Jon Ralston, Nevada Independent: This is amazing by Harris vs. Biden. She seized the moment and went after him. After being given 30 seconds, she went for 2 minutes. Masterful.
- Former Governor of South Carolina, Jim Hodges said: “Particularly strong.” “Particularly memorable” “Kamala Harris helped herself great deal tonight.”
- Amy Hayes, former Democratic Party Chair in SC-05: “Which candidate seems most Presidential to me? Kamala. She’s got brains and toughness to spare and yet she maxes out on likability, too. Not many people can pull that off.”
Here’s more of what they’re saying about Kamala’s night:
- Vox: Kamala Harris was the Democrat you could imagine taking on Trump
- Washington Post: Harris upstages Biden and Sanders with dominating performance
- Axios AM: 1 big thing: Kamala Harris' night
- CNN: Kamala Harris shines in commanding Democratic debate performance
- Raw Story: ‘Kamala Harris had a moment that was 2 hours long’: Van Jones reacts to Dem debate
- Bloomberg: Kamala Harris Just Taught a Debate Clinic. You’re Welcome.
- El País: Kamala Harris arrolla a Joe Biden en el segundo debate demócrata
- The Week: Kamala Harris won, Biden lost, and Marianne Williamson is groovy
- San Francisco Chronicle: Kamala Harris takes command during heated presidential debate
- Politico: The five long minutes when Harris owned Biden
- Bloomberg: Kamala Harris Stakes Claim as Top 2020 Contender in Clash With Biden
- BuzzFeed: Kamala Harris Just Showed How She'd Debate Trump
- The Nation: Kamala Harris Won the Debate With Prosecutorial Zeal
- The Guardian: Kamala Harris just changed the direction of the presidential race
- Slate: Kamala Harris Dismantled Joe Biden on Live TV
- NBC Bay Area: Kamala Harris Draws Raucous Cheers at Debate Watch Party
- The Independent: 'We'll follow her campaign until the White House': Harris a hit among pubgoers watching 2020 Democratic debate
- Politico: Kamala Harris breaks out
- Charlotte Clymer: Kamala Harris clearly won the debate tonight, and it wasn't close.
- Annie Karni, New York Times: Trump allies so far viewing Kamala Harris performance warily, see her performance as strongest on the stage.
- Maria Cardona, Democratic strategist: Kamala Harris is giving the American people not only solid policy that reflects our values but she is giving us an image of what presidential power would look like in the hands of a woman.
- DeRay McKesson: Kamala is one of the only people I’ve seen over these two nights that simply came off as presidential.
- CNN: Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris cut through the cacophony of her rivals and insisted time and again that the candidates turn their attention to the troubles of "real Americans"
- Amy Hayes, former local Democratic Party Chair: Which candidate seems most Presidential to me? Kamala. She’s got brains and toughness to spare......and yet she maxes out on likability, too. Not many people can pull that off.
- Ted Lieu, Congressman from California: Glad that America is seeing the Kamala Harris that I know: smart, tough, progressive and presidential. @KamalaHarris is rocking the #DemDebate.
- Pramila Jayapal, Congresswoman from Washington: @KamalaHarris was so incredibly compelling taking on Biden on race. This must be discussed and no, it is not intellectual. It is real, personal, political and necessary to talk about race and take on racism.
- Dave Weigel, Washington Post: One reason that Kamala exchange with Biden matters: Dem voters need to be convinced that a woman can face Trump onstage and take him apart. That moment got her a long way.
- Adrienne Elrod, Democratic strategist: 38 minutes in @KamalaHarris is owning this debate.
- Jonathan Capehart, Washington Post: One last thing: That Kamala Harris went after Joe Biden should dispell anyone of the fear that she'd be afraid or unable to go after Donald Trump. #recognize
- Yamiche Alcindor, PBS: That exchange btwn Joe Biden & Kamala Harris was raw, real, deep, & so important. Kamala Harris offered her personal experience as a kid bused around to make sure integration happen.
- Jacqueline Alemany, Washington Post: “Grab that torch: Never mind waiting for it to be passed. Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) stole the thunder from former vice president Joe Biden in the second round of the Democratic debate on Thursday night -- delivering a dominating performance and exposing weaknesses of the current front-runner on issues of race.”
- Helaine Olen, Washington Post: If you come for the king, you best not miss. Kamala Harris rules #DemDebate2. No one else even came close
- Jamil Smith, Rolling Stone: A very good observation by @xwaldie: considering @KamalaHarris’s signature moments in the debate, perhaps her best selling point as a candidate will be that she was the best storyteller on stage, “imagining policy as embodied in actual American lives.”
- Doug Sovern, KCBS Radio: One of the most important things @KamalaHarris did tonight was ace the audition for “Democrat you’d most like to see take on Trump in a debate.” She made the case to primary voters that she’s a legit standard bearer, while sowing real doubt about Biden’s ability to do that.
- Neera Tanden, Center for American Progress: Somewhere, Kamala Harris' mother, Shyamala Gopalan, is smiling on what her daughter did tonight.
- S.E. Cupp, CNN: My real time take for cnn.com: Tonight was Ka 👏🏻 Ma 👏🏻 La 👏🏻.
- Charlamagne tha God, the Breakfast Club radio show: Stop letting the media tell you who is electable and who's not. If being "presidential" is still a thing Sen. @KamalaHarris is the one.
- Sydney Ember, New York Times: Every time Harris speaks, I feel a hush go over the audience. Then wild cheers.
- Elex Michaelson, Fox Los Angeles: Our focus group of undecided voters felt @KamalaHarris won the Democratic debate. No one thought @JoeBiden won. For Harris, they used words like "assertive," "prepared," and "punchy." For Biden, words like "disappointing" and "safe."
- Joy Ann Reid, MSNBC: She positioned herself at the fulcrum between the past and the future
- Van Jones, CNN: Something is happening in this country and Democratic Party. Proud of America tonight and proud of Kamala Harris.
- Michael Steele, former RNC Chair: It done. @KamalaHarris owned this debate. She won. Period. No one came close. Tonight or last night.
- Jess O'Connell, former CEO of the DNC: @KamalaHarris is captivating the room here with every answer she gives. She is in control. #Demdebate
- Jen Psaki, former White House communications director: This is getting real. And @KamalaHarris is killing it.
- Randi Weingarten, President of American Federation of Teachers: @KamalaHarris’ personal story is moving. A good reminder that the federal government has a role in equity and addressing racism and segregation in America.
- Jamelle Hill, The Atlantic: By the way, this is why Donald Trump don’t want nan’ with Kamala Harris in a debate
- Susan Glasser, New Yorker: Seems to me that Kamala Harris came ready to win this thing
- Mike Allen, Axios: She positioned herself as a product of history, but future-oriented and raring to change things in a way that Biden isn't.
- Matthew Miller, MSNBC contributor: Can't remember a time a candidate grabbed a debate and just owned it the way Harris has tonight. Been waiting to see a breakout performance from her and boy has she delivered.
- Jelani Smith, New Yorker: Kamala Harris had two things on her to-do list tonight. She crossed off the first. The second is “Take names.”
- Ezra Klein, Vox: So Harris intends to win this primary.”
- Brian Fallon, Justice Democrats: Not just the moment of the night, but potentially a watershed in the entire election cycle.
- Michael Skolnik, entrepreneur and activist: I have been saying this since the day she entered the race. Kamala Harris is presidential.
- Patti Solis Doyle, adviser to the 2008 Obama campaigne: She proved that she can go after a male opponent without suffering the gender stereotype of appearing overly aggressive or overly ambitious. She looked like a winner, plain & simple.
- Frank Luntz, Republican consultant and pollster: If Kamala Harris becomes president, it will be because of this moment.
- Zerlina Maxwell, SiriusXM: Here are my #demdebate2 rankings: 1. Kamala.
- Maeve Reston, CNN: This debate feels easier to follow, possibly because @KamalaHarris laid down the hammer early on about not making it into a food fight like last night.
- Topher Spiro, Center for American Progress: Kamala Harris with a strong presence in this debate.
- Jess McIntosh, CNN commentator: I was expecting Kamala to be good I was not expecting her to be *this* good.
- Dean Luk, former NBC producer: Eric Swalwell asked Joe Biden to pass the torch. Kamala Harris just took it.
- David Rothkopf: Of the 20 candidates on stage tonight or last night, who is the most exciting, promising, compelling, persuasive? (My answer is @KamalaHarris and it's not close.)
- Keith Boykin, CNN commentator: Kamala Harris did not come here to play with you tonight.
- Brennan Gilmore, Clean Virginia: Haven't seen anyone as strong on a debate stage as @KamalaHarris in a long time. Nearly flawless performance so far.
- Scott Bland, Politico: One striking thing about Harris' big moment tonight: how she made it happen. Harris didn't get a question. She demanded time — "As the only black person on this stage, I’d like to speak on the issue of race" — and won the space to make her splash
- Jessica Knoll, author: I get chills listening to Kamala Harris speak. I think I have a crush.
###
Donald J. Trump for President
June 27, 2019
Trump Campaign Statement on Night Two of 1st Democrat Debate
“The cast of characters may have changed, but the second night’s script was eerily like the first: a two hour-long infomercial for President Donald J. Trump's re-election campaign. All of the Democrats tripped over each other in a race to see who could stand out as the most leftist candidate, threatening government control of every aspect of people’s lives. We are many months away from seeing who the Democrat nominee will be, but one thing is clear -- President Trump will be the hands-down victor after each and every Democrat debate.”Kayleigh McEnany, National Press Secretary
Republican National Committee
June 27, 2019
RNC Statement on Day 2 of the Democrat Debate
WASHINGTON – Republican
National
Committee
(RNC) Chairwoman Ronna
McDaniel released the following statement in response to the second
night of the Democrat primary debate:
"Tonight’s
debate was more of the same from Democrats: a broken record of radical
policies," said Chairwoman McDaniel. "The Democrat Party’s agenda
means
taxing more of our hard-earned money to give government control of
nearly every aspect of our lives. Democrats support tax hikes on the
middle class and taxpayer-funded health care for illegal
immigrants.
Their policies are extreme and out of touch with the realities facing
everyday Americans. Meanwhile, President Trump’s pro-growth policies
are working, and he will continue to deliver for the American people
when voters re-elect him in 2020."
###
____________________
____________________
Republican National Committee
June 28, 2018
Research Briefing
Debate Wrap Up: Half-Baked Ideas, Fully Baked Socialism
Democrats Detailed Their Radical, Costly, And Unpopular Proposals Including Tax Hikes On The Middle Class, Decriminalizing Illegal Immigration, Gun Control, And The Government Funding Of AbortionThe Facts:
THE DEMOCRAT DEBATES BROUGHT US ALL THESE CRAZY PROPOSALS AND POLICIES
Decriminalizing Illegal Immigration: A majority of candidates endorsed decriminalizing illegal immigration including Sens. Booker, Klobuchar, Gillibrand, Harris, and Sanders; Reps. Castro, Ryan, and Swalwell and Mayor Pete Buttigieg.
Health Care For Illegal Immigrants: All ten candidates from night two of the debate, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Harris and Booker and Mayor Pete Buttigieg confirmed that their health care plans would cover health insurance for illegal immigrants.
Tax Hikes: Sen. Bernie Sanders conceded his plans for government-run health care, which many Democrats support, would raise taxes on middle class families.
Government Run Health Care And The Abolition Of Private Insurance: All twenty of the Democratic candidates supported government run health care in some capacity with Sens. Warren, Harris and Sanders saying they would eliminate private insurance in favor of a government run health care system.
Government Funding Of Abortion: Sens. Bernie Sanders and Kirsten Gillibrand came out in support of government funded abortion while Senator Elizabeth Warren refused to say if she supported any restrictions on abortion at all.
Gun Control: Sens. Booker, Sanders, Harris and Rep. Swalwell advocated forvarious forms of gun control including requiring licenses to buy and own fire arms, and banning the sale and distribution of various weapons.
Iran Nuclear Deal: Democrat candidates overwhelmingly raised their hands in support of Obama’s flawed Iran nuclear deal despite its failure to halt Iran’s nuclear capacity or regional provocations.
THE TOP TIER CANDIDATES STRUGGLED IN THE FIRST DEMOCRAT DEBATE AS THEY TRIPPED OVER THEMSELVES TO OUTFLANK EACH OTHER ON THE LEFT
The candidates “arms race to the left” dominated both debates as candidates rushed to outflank each other on the left, a move that could alienate swing voters crucial to unseating President Trump.
Former Vice President Joe Biden: The biggest loser from the debates, Biden’s night went poorly to say the least as he got “ slammed” on his record, age and ideology.
Sen. Bernie Sanders: Disappeared for a “large portion” of the debate, and when he did speak he was “loud” rather than passionate, “ repetitive” rather than committed.
Sanders was also laughed at by
the
audience
after
moderator
Rachael
Maddow
fact-checked
him
in
real
time.
Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke: Beto
looked
“ill” and “nervous ”
during
Wednesday’s
debate,
preforming
so
badly
CNN
pronounced
him
“done.”’Sen. Elizabeth Warren: “Faded down the stretch” on Wednesday night allowing third-tier candidates to outshine her.
___________________________
|
|
Greenpeace USA
by Ryan Schleeter
June 27, 2019
‘This Is Not How You Behave in an Emergency’: Where Is Climate Change in the Democratic Debates?
The second night of the Democratic primary debate concluded with little discussion of the climate crisis. Following the first night, when just 6 percent of questions touched on climate change [1], no candidate on tonight’s stage discussed their vision for implementing a Green New Deal or their plans for ending fossil fuel production in the United States.In response, Greenpeace USA Climate Campaign Director Janet Redman said:
“This is not how you behave in an emergency. Despite the candidates’ acknowledgment of the existential threat that climate change represents to humanity, we heard next to nothing over two days about how they would actually address this monumental challenge. Talking points and soundbites do not cut it anymore. If we are all going to survive as a civilization, January 20, 2021 must be the first day of a new wave of resistance against the fossil fuel industry.
“It’s more clear than ever that we need a debate devoted to the climate crisis. The DNC continues to cling to its thin defense that it cannot hold debates on any ‘single issue,’ but climate change is not a single issue — it’s every issue. It’s the droughts and food shortages causing mass migration. It’s the pollution giving our children asthma and driving up healthcare costs. It’s the $27 million in donations Congress members took from oil and gas interests just last year [2]. And it’s the opportunity we’re missing to create millions of jobs in the renewable energy economy.”
Yesterday, Greenpeace USA activists installed seven posters in the area surrounding the venue for the first Democratic primary debate calling on the Democratic National Committee to host a climate debate. The posters read “The climate crisis is worth more than 5 minutes and 27 seconds” in reference to the total time spent on climate and environmental issues during the 2016 presidential debate cycle [3].
A Morning Consult poll from earlier this week showed that 63 percent of Democratic voters wanted to hear about climate change in the first debate, more than any other issue. Despite that, DNC Chairman Tom Perez maintains that the party will not be hosting a specific debate on climate change.
ENDS
Photo and video: https://www.media.greenpeace.
Notes:
[1] https://www.mediamatters.org/
[2] https://www.opensecrets.org/
[3] https://grist.org/election-
To maintain independence, Greenpeace USA does not endorse or oppose any political party, candidate, or elected official. We work to hold all candidates for office to the standard that science says is necessary to avert climate crisis, which means supporting a Green New Deal and ending fossil fuels.
Contact: Ryan Schleeter, Senior Communications Specialist, Greenpeace USA
June 29, 2019
Kamala Harris Raised $2 Million Online From The Democratic Debate
63,277
People
Gave
In
24
Hours;
58
Percent
Were
New
Donors
In the 24 hours after the second Democratic primary debate began, Senator Kamala Harris’ campaign raised more than $2 million online from 63,277 people. Of those who gave, 58 percent were new contributors to the campaign. This was the campaign’s best online fundraising day yet.
“We have momentum,” said Harris’ communications director, Lily Adams. “After her dominant debate performance, where she proved she is the candidate best suited to prosecute the case against four more years of Donald Trump, supporters across this country are fueling our campaign because they saw her empathy, her passion, and her direct focus on the issues that keep people up at night.”
During this 24-hour period, the average online contribution was $30, and Harris’ campaign quadrupled their share of donations from the first four early states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.
Harris has been broadly praised for her debate win, with commentators saying she “owned the stage and the night,” “put into practice the skills she’s honed as a prosecutor and as a senator,” and “came off as presidential.”
###
###
Bennet
for America
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham
Following Strong Debate, Bennet for America Sees Surge in New Donors and Early State Interest
DENVER — Bennet for America today
announced that the campaign has seen a surge of donors and interest
following Michael Bennet’s strong debate performance on
Thursday night — particularly from first-time donors and those in early
states.
“Millions of Americans met Michael for the first time on Thursday night and saw he isn’t afraid to tell the truth—and the response we’ve received since has been outstanding,” said Bennet for America campaign spokesperson Shannon Beckham. “Democrats across the country were motivated to support Michael and his thoughtful vision after seeing he has the policies and posture to be a formidable opponent to Donald Trump in 2020.”
On Friday, the campaign received the highest number of donors since the week it launched — 54% of whom were brand new supporters of the campaign. This swell of support represents nine times the number of donors received in a single day compared to the previous week.
The campaign has also seen an outpouring of interest online, with a 222% increase in visitors to the website the day after the debate compared to the previous week. There was a particular surge from early states, with a 245% increase from Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada, and a 367% increase from California.
“Millions of Americans met Michael for the first time on Thursday night and saw he isn’t afraid to tell the truth—and the response we’ve received since has been outstanding,” said Bennet for America campaign spokesperson Shannon Beckham. “Democrats across the country were motivated to support Michael and his thoughtful vision after seeing he has the policies and posture to be a formidable opponent to Donald Trump in 2020.”
On Friday, the campaign received the highest number of donors since the week it launched — 54% of whom were brand new supporters of the campaign. This swell of support represents nine times the number of donors received in a single day compared to the previous week.
The campaign has also seen an outpouring of interest online, with a 222% increase in visitors to the website the day after the debate compared to the previous week. There was a particular surge from early states, with a 245% increase from Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada, and a 367% increase from California.
###
Copyright © 2019 Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in
Action.
All rights reserved.