Five of the campaigns emailed out post-debate spin...

Cory 2020
Sep 12, 2019, 10:56 PM

Cory 2020 Campaign Manager Addisu Demissie: Cory Won Debate by Showing His Vision for Uniting Our Country to Make Real Change

Newark, NJ — Cory 2020 Campaign Manager Addisu Demissie issued the following statement on Cory Booker’s performance in the third Democratic debate:

“For the third debate in a row, Cory won the night. 

“And he didn’t do it by tearing down other Democrats, but by bringing to the stage his longstanding, authentic vision of uniting our country to make real change. 

“He showed viewers who he is and how he has challenged the field to join him in support of bold policies like gun licensing and taking on systemic racism in this country. He also threw a Dad joke in. But hey, that’s Cory.”


After an extended, contentious debate on health care, Cory brought the stage’s focus back to the people who are hurting because of our broken health care system -- and fellow candidates nod along.  [VIDEO]


Sep 12, 2019, 11:51 PM

What They’re Saying About Cory Booker’s Winning Debate Performance: “Great.” “Electrifying.” “How It’s Done.”

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Pete for America
Sep 12, 2019, 10:29 PM

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg’s Debate Performance

Ezra Klein @ezraklein: "In the same way that a dollar saved compounds, so does a dollar stolen."  That's a great, clear line on racial inequality from Buttigieg.

Greg Sargent @ThePlumLineGS: Just a fantastic @PeteButtigieg riff. The "empty chair" image for Trump's inability to represent the US in a roomful of allied leaders perfectly captures the hollowness of Trump's performative America First-ism, and what a catastrophic leadership failure it represents.

Bleeding Heartland @LauraRBelin: Great answer from @PeteButtigieg: the best way to not get caught up in endless war is not to start one. War authorizations will have an automatic 3-year sunset. POTUS will have to go back to Congress. Pivots to talk about Trump using military to support his golf club in Scotland

Mo Elleithee @MoElleithee: This by @PeteButtigieg was one of my favorite lines of the night.A good political message should never be about the politician. It should be about the people. Always.

Antjuan Seawright @antjuansea: This is when Mayor @PeteButtigieg is at his best. His message breaks through every single time on military issues.

Frank Luntz @FrankLuntz: From a debating perspective, Mayor Pete has the best one-liners of the night. He is so clear and concise in his opening sentences.  #DemDebate

VBTheWise @VBTheWise: Mayor Pete comes out of break strong “I’d like to see HIM make a deal with Xi.”

Paul Musgrave @profmusgrave: Sophisticated and real answer by Buttigieg

Daniel W. Drezner @dandrezner: I’ve only had this debate on for ten minutes and Pete Buttigieg has already given two very cogent answers.

Victory Fund @VictoryFund: Verdict so far at our Houston presidential debate watch party? @PeteButtigieg is having another great night. #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate

Kurt Bardella @kurtbardella: Best moment of the #DemDebate so far for @PeteButtigieg "When I first got into this race, I remember @realDonaldTrump scoffed & said he'd like to see me making a deal with Xi Jinping. I'd like to see him make a deal with Xi Jinping." #DemDebate

Jesse Lehrich: Pete has been really good once again tonight.

Christine Quinn @chriscquinn: This was a strong answer @PeteButtigieg #DemocraticDebate2020 #demdebate

CNN Politics @CNNPolitics: Pete Buttigieg slams Trump's policy on China: "The President clearly has no strategy" https://cnn.it/34DLgNQ #DemDebate

Wajahat Ali @WajahatAli: "We've got to put an end to endless war" - Buttigieg on point and that line should have gotten a standing ovation. #DemDebate

Skylar Baker-Jordan @SkylarJordan: Wow. @PeteButtigieg really put Afghanistan in perspective. You could, today, be 18—old enough to serve—and not have been born when the 9/11 attacks occurred. Underscores the urgency of getting our troops out of there #DemDebate

Robby Soave @robbysoave: Mayor Pete comes out in favor of the president actually getting permission from Congress to wage wars, as the Constitution requires. Wish this was not such a bold opinion but it actually is!

Hannah Hart @harto: Wow. Good answer from @PeteButtigieg 🙌 #DemocraticDebate

Jesse Lehrich @JesseLehrich: YES! I know this is wonky but I just got so excited about Mayor Pete saying he'd insert a 3-year sunset on all AUMFs! #DemDebate

Mayra Moreno @MayraABC13: On Sept. 12th now, you can be old enough to serve in the military but not been alive to see #Sept11 @PeteButtigieg That's actually quite powerful! #ABC13DemDebate #DemDebate

Dan Pfeiffer @danpfeiffer: #Good job  @PeteButtigieg for using the debate to inform the millions of people watching about Trump's corruption. More of this everyone!

Dan Weeks @DemocracyDan: . @PeteButtigieg, the only veteran on the #DemDebate3 stage, says it loud and clear: "We have got to put an end to endless war!" Thank you for committing to *never* send America to war without actual congressional authorization. #FITN #nhpolitics #PeteWave #PhaseThree

Luke Bronin @MayorBronin: Strong answer on Afghanistan by @PeteButtigieg.

Kurt Bardella @kurtbardella: THANK YOU @PeteButtigieg for calling out @realDonaldTrump for treating "troops as props" and "tools for his own enrichment" ... Trump's corruption should be more of a focus for candidates running in the #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate

AFT @AFTunion: Social-emotional learning, teacher pay, respect and so much more great stuff form [sic] @PeteButtigieg. #DemDebate #AFTvotes

Guy Benson @guypbenson: Glad Mayor Pete expressed solidarity with the Hong Kong protesters.

Dan Weeks: .@PeteButtigieg reminds us that American leadership is needed now more than ever to solve the #ClimateCrisis and achieve fair trade for all. It's time for America to show up under a new generation of leadership. #DemDebate3 #FITN #TeamPete #nhpolitics

Jeff Hauser @jeffhauser: Kudos to @PeteButtigieg for invoking DeVos. We have been APPALLED at how little House Democrats have done to elevate DeVos' corruption and incompetence. buzzfeednews.com/article/jhause…

Maria Cardona @MariaTCardona: Totally agree w @PeteButtigieg thay teachers should be valued like doctors in our society as they form and guide our greatest assets - our kids’ minds.

Matthew Wilson @mwilsonGA: @PeteButtigieg just gets it, y’all. “Respect teachers like we do soldiers and pay them more like we do doctors.” 👏🏻👏🏻

Sep 12, 2019, 11:02 PM

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg’s Debate Performance

“Moving Answer...Most Personal Moment of the Debate...Knocked it Out of the Park...Very Strong Closing Statement...AWESOME...Most Inspiring Moment...Very Powerful Statement...Historic”

Asma Khalid @asmamk: Buttigieg talking about coming out is really a story we have never heard on the national debate stage in a presidential election. Every so often, it's easy to forget how novel that is.

David Axelrod @davidaxelrod: Moving answer from @PeteButtigieg about the meaning of politics.

Katie Couric @katiecouric: This was a very powerful statement from Mayor Pete #DemDebate

Julian Zelizer @julianzelizer: @PeteButtigieg delivers a very strong closing statement.

Mike Murphy @mcwm: mayor Pete just knocked it out of the park tbh

Ben Wexler @mrbenwexler: Buttigieg’s answer was AWESOME

Adam Wren @adamwren: With that emotional close, hard to argue @PeteButtigieg didn’t get the moment he needed tonight.

Vanessa Yurkevich @vyurkevich: Mayor Buttigieg was emotional in his closing remarks about resiliency talking about coming out after his time in the army during “don’t ask don’t tell” and running for his second term as Mayor in South Bend. #DemocraticDebates

Cameron Joseph @cam_joseph: .@PeteButtigieg talking about his coming out after he returned from Afghanistan and while he was running for reelection as mayor. Most personal moment of this debate.

Maureen McFadden @MMcFaddenTV: .@PeteButtigieg slammed his final statement. THAT was presidential!

Astead Wesley @AsteadWesley: shouldn't lose sight of how that buttigieg moment, a major candidate openly talking about coming out on presidential debate stage, is a historic one that seemed unlikely even a decade ago

Charles M. Blow @CharlesMBlow: I really like Mayor Pete’s closing. #DemocraticDebates

Sylvia K. Alston @SylviaKAlston: @PeteButtigieg one of my favorite closings of the evening. #DemDebate

Jim Gray @JimGrayLexKY: I’m watching the Dem debate tonight and Pete Buttigieg continues to stand out. As a mayor and a veteran from a Midwest industrial city, he understands what’s at stake.

Dan Weeks @DemocracyDan Here's a revolutionary idea from @PeteButtigieg: appoint a Secretary of Education who believes in public education. Oh, and show teachers the respect they deserve by paying them like doctors to educate our kids. #FITN #NHPolitics #DemDebate #TeamPete

Jim Gray @JimGrayLexKY:Mayor Pete led his community in turning around a city that was called “dying.” He knows it’s still possible for us to come together and make peoples’ lives better.

Adam Wren @adamwren: That answer from Buttigieg was something else.

Christine Quinn @chriscquinn: Speaking about trust and coming out

@PeteButtigieg makes a powerful statement of hope for our country. Thank you! Makes me proud! #lgbt #demdebate

Aniesia Williams @iamaniesia: @PeteButtigieg’s answer....my God. I felt that. Jesus I felt that. I believe America did too. #DemDebate #DemDebateTSU

Kara Voght @karavoght: .@PeteButtigieg notes that we often put white working class auto workers again single black women, but where he comes from, the auto works *is* a single black woman. Such an important point. People keep missing that union jobs *are* increasingly women and people of color.

Lynette KhalfaniCox @themoneycoach: Mayor Pete Buttigieg ... OMG ... just a pitch perfect answer to the Q about resilience.  He speaks candidly/honestly about coming out as a gay man, about trust, and about not knowing whether his career would be over by living his truth. So much humanity there. #DemDebate

Joe Mirabella @joeMirabella:I wish I could go back and tell my scared closted middle school self that someday a gay man would describe his coming out process on the #DemocraticDebates stage. Thank you @PeteButtigieg for giving young #LGBTQ people hope.

Kurt Bardella @kurtbardella: Powerful personal testimony from @PeteButtigieg about coming out ... he's right - this election is about the voters and empowering/trusting them: "when I trusted voters to judge me based on the job that I did for them, they decided to trust me" #DemocraticDebate #DemDebate

Steve Culbertson @Culbs: I can’t imagine voting for anyone else up there before Mayor Pete.


Sep 12, 2019, 11:38 PM

VIDEO: Pete Buttigieg Shares Powerful Personal Story at the Democratic Debate

HOUSTON, TX — Pete Buttigieg ended tonight’s debate by sharing his compelling and inspiring personal story. Watch his powerful closing statement here.

Read the full transcript of his closing statement below:

You know, as a military officer serving under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and as an elected official in the state of Indiana when Mike Pence was governor, at a certain point when it came to professional setbacks, I had to wonder whether just acknowledging who I was was gonna be the ultimate career-ending professional setback. I came back from the deployment and realized that you only get to live one life and I was not interested in not knowing what it was like to be in love any longer. So I just came out.

I had no idea what kind of professional setback it would be especially because, inconveniently, it was an election year in my socially conservative community. What happened was that when I trusted voters to judge me based on the job that I did for them, they decided to trust me and reelected me with 80 percent of the vote. And what I learned was that trust can be reciprocated, and that part of how you can win and deserve to win is to know what’s worth more to you than winning.

And I think that’s what we need in the presidency right now. We have to know what we are about, and this election is not about any of us up here. It is not about this president, even though it’s hard to talk of anything else some days. It’s about the people who trust us with their lives -- a kid wondering if we’re actually going to make their schools safe when they’ve learned active shooter drills before they’ve learned to read, a generation wondering whether we will actually get the job done on climate change. And if we hold to that, then it doesn’t matter what happens to each of us professionally. Together we will win a better era for our country.

Sep 13, 2019, 12:42 AM

VIDEO: Pete’s Key Moments from Tonight’s Debate

HOUSTON, TX — Tonight, Mayor Pete Buttigieg continued to impress Americans across the country with a commanding debate performance. Here are some of his best moments:


1) VIDEO: PETE MAKES HISTORY BY SHARING HIS POWERFUL & INSPIRING PERSONAL STORY

“As a military officer serving under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and as an elected official in the state of Indiana when Mike Pence was governor, at a certain point when it came to professional setbacks, I had to wonder whether just acknowledging who I was was gonna be the ultimate career-ending professional setback. I came back from the deployment and realized that you only get to live one life and I was not interested in not knowing what it was like to be in love any longer. So I just came out. I had no idea what kind of professional setback it would be especially because, inconveniently, it was an election year in my socially conservative community. What happened was that when I trusted voters to judge me based on the job that I did for them, they decided to trust me and reelected me with 80 percent of the vote.

"And what I learned was that trust can be reciprocated, and that part of how you can win and deserve to win is to know what’s worth more to you than winning. And I think that’s what we need in the presidency right now. We have to know what we are about, and this election is not about any of us up here. It is not about this president, even though it’s hard to talk of anything else some days. It’s about the people who trust us with their lives -- a kid wondering if we’re actually going to make their schools safe when they’ve learned active shooter drills before they’ve learned to read, a generation wondering whether we will actually get the job done on climate change. And if we hold to that, then it doesn’t matter what happens to each of us professionally. Together we will win a better era for our country.”



2) VIDEO: AMERICANS SHOULD HAVE A CHOICE ON HEALTH CARE

“The problem, Senator Sanders, with that damn bill that you wrote, and that Senator Warren backs is that it doesn't trust the American people. I trust you to choose what makes the most sense for you, not my way or the highway. Now look, I think we do have to do more than tinkering with the ACA. I propose “Medicare For All Who Want It.” We take a version of Medicare, we make it available for the American people, and if we're right, as progressives, that that public alternative is better, then the American people will figure it out for themselves. I trust the American people to make the right choice for them. Why don't you?”



3) VIDEO: ON TRUMP’S LACK OF STRATEGY WITH CHINA/RECKLESS TRADE WAR

“Well, the president clearly has no strategy. You know, when I first got into this race, I remember President Trump scoffed and said he'd like to see me making a deal with Xi Jinping. I'd like to see him making a deal with Xi Jinping. Is it just me or was the supposed to happen in, like, April? It’s one more example of a commitment not made. When that happens on the international stage, people take note. Not just our competitors, our adversaries, but also our allies take note of the inability of the United States to keep its word or follow through on its plans. And when that happens there are serious consequences. We saw it at the G7, the leaders of some of the greatest powers and economies of the world, sitting to talk about one of the greatest challenges in the world, climate change, and there was literally an empty chair where American leadership could have been.

"The problem is, this is a moment when American leadership is needed more than ever, whether it’s in Hong Kong, where those protestors for democracy need to know that they have a friend in the United States or anywhere around the world where increasingly we see dictators throwing their weight around. The world needs America, but it can’t be just any America.”



4) VIDEO: ON ADVOCATING FOR IMMIGRANTS AND AN IMMIGRATION PLAN TO GROW RURAL COMMUNITIES

“Anyone who supports this is supporting racism. Esto es racismo, y es sencillo. The only people though who actually buy into this president’s hateful rhetoric around immigrants are people who don’t know any. We have an opportunity to build an American majority around immigration reform. In my community, a group of conservative Republicans rallied around an individual, a beloved local individual who was deported when he went into ICE to try to get his paperwork sorted out because they never thought it would happen to him.

"In some of the most conservative, rural areas of Iowa, I have seen communities that have embraced immigration grow, and it’s why part of my plan for revitalizing the economies of rural America includes community renewal visas that would allow cities and towns and counties that are hurting not only for jobs but for population to embrace immigration as we have in my city. You know, the only reason that South Bend is growing right now, after years of shrinking, is immigration. It’s one of the reasons we acted, not waiting for Washington, to create city-issued municipal IDs so that people regardless of immigration status in our city had the opportunity to have the benefits of identification. We have an opportunity to actually get something done, but we cannot allow this to continue to be the same debate with the same arguments and the same clever lines often among the same people since the last real reform happened in the 1980s.

"We have to actually engage the American majority around the opportunities for not just growth in small communities, but our values -- values of welcome, values of faith -- that all argue for us to manage this humanely and in a way that marries our values with our laws.”



5) VIDEO: ON SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN & ENDING ENDLESS WARS

“You know, I served under General Dunford. Way under General Dunford in Afghanistan. And today, September 12, 2019, means that today you could be 18-years-old, old enough to serve, and have not been alive on 9/11. We have got to put an end to endless war. And the way we do it is see to it that that country will never again be used for an attack against our homeland, and that does not require an open-ended commitment of ground troops.

"Now let me say something else because if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Afghanistan, from Afghanistan, it’s that the best way not to be caught up in endless war is to avoid starting one in the first place. And so, when I am president, an authorization for the use of military force will have a built-in three year sunset. Congress will be required to vote, and the President will be required to go to Congress to seek an authorization because if our troops can summon the courage to go overseas, the least our members of Congress should be able to do is summon the courage to take a vote on whether they ought to be there. By the way, we also have a president right now who seems to treat troops as props or worse--tools for his own enrichment.

"We saw what’s going on with flights apparently being routed through Scotland just so people can stay at his hotels. I’ll tell you, as a military officer, the very first thing that goes through your mind the first time you ever make eye contact with somebody that you are responsible for in uniform is: do not let these men and women down. This president is doing exactly that. I will not.”



6) VIDEO: ON HIS BOLD PLAN TO CONFRONT SYSTEMIC RACISM

“I believe what’s deepened divisions in the country is the conduct of this president, and we have a chance to change all of that. Look, systemic racism preceded this president and even when we defeat him, it will be with us. That’s why we need a systemic approach to dismantle it. It’s not enough to just take a racist policy, replace it with a neutral one and expect things will just get better on their own. Harms compound. In the same way that a dollar saved compounds, so does a dollar stolen. And we know that the generational theft of the descendants of slave is part of why everything from housing to education to health to employment basically puts us in two different countries.

"I have proposed the most comprehensive vision to tackle systemic racism in every one of these areas, marshaling as many resources as went into the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe, but this time a Douglass Plan that we invest right here at home to make sure that we’re not only dealing with things like the over-incarceration of Black Americans, but also black solutions, entrepreneurship, raising to 25 percent the target for the federal government to do business with minority-owned businesses, investing in HBCUs that are training and educating the next generation of entrepreneurs.

"We can and must do that, but that means transcending this framework that pits us against each other, that pits a single black mother of three against a displaced auto worker -- cause where I come from, a lot of times that displaced auto worker is a single black mother of three. We’ve got to say that and bring people together.”



Sep 13, 2019, 2:53 AM

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg’s Strong Debate Performance

Headlines:

NY Times: Buttigieg Describes Struggle With Coming Out as Gay: ‘You Only Get One Life’

Huff Post: Pete Buttigieg Made History With His Coming Out Story At Democratic Debate

Buzzfeed: Pete Buttigieg Told His Coming Out Story During The Democratic Debate

Business Insider: Pete Buttigieg movingly shares his decision to come out during the Houston Democratic debate

Vox: Pete Buttigieg tells his coming out story — a presidential candidate first

CNN: Pete Buttigieg reflects on his struggle to come out in candid debate moment


From TV:

Van Jones on CNN: “There's a concern about the disunity -- the people who are speaking to it best, we just heard one of them: Pete Buttigieg. He has a magic to him ... He is a blessing to this party, and I thought his closing statement, I just want to say, his closing statement talking about coming out was a beautiful moment.”

Senator Claire McCaskill on MSNBC: “...when [Pete Buttigieg] said, "I trust Americans to make a choice." That's the essence of this debate. Are you going to give Americans a choice? Are you going to say the government's going to decide for you and you cannot have insurance at work? ... There's a whole lot of Americans out there in both parties that want to hear that their government trusts them to make a choice.”

Chris Matthews on MSNBC: “Mayor Pete, you know, I thought you were good, and I'm allowed to rate people. I thought you were great tonight ... I thought you both made a very strong opening appeal for unity and sort of a quiet admonition -- let's not go so far that even if we win, we divide the country.”

Joe Lockhart on CNN: “The public opinion polls are very clear — it is very unpopular and very controversial to eliminate private insurance […] When you ask people, do you believe in say, what Mayor Pete is for, Medicare for those who want it, that remains popular.”


From Twitter:


Robert Reich @RBReich: Buttigieg's closing statement powerful and important.


David Axelrod @davidaxelrod: Moving answer from @PeteButtigieg about the meaning of politics.


Katie Couric @katiecouric: This was a very powerful statement from Mayor Pete #DemDebate


Dave Morrill @repdavemorrill: This was Pete’s best debate yet. He stood above the partisan bickering and presented his vision of a presidency with skill tempered with humility and grace complimented by intelligence.


Matt Wilhelm @WilhelmForNH: If you missed the #DemDebate and only get to watch one clip, I’d recommend this one, showcasing @PeteButtigieg + his commitment to servant leadership. Grateful that we have a candidate that consistently takes the high road + represents the best of our shared values as Americans.


Van Jones @VanJones68: PeteButtigieg is able to make the moderate position somehow inspiring.  When he talked about about coming out, it was a beautiful moment not just for tonight, but for the campaign. #DemDebate #CNN


Christine Quinn @chriscquinn: Speaking about trust and coming out

@PeteButtigieg makes a powerful statement of hope for our country. Thank you! Makes me proud! #lgbt #demdebate


Charles M. Blow @CharlesMBlow: I really like Mayor Pete’s closing. #DemocraticDebates


Adam Wren @adamwren That answer from Buttigieg was something else.


Adam Wren @adamwren: With that emotional close, hard to argue @PeteButtigieg didn’t get the moment he needed tonight


Mike Murphy @mcwm: mayor Pete just knocked it out of the park tbh


Carla Marinucci @cmarinucci: Strong healthcare comeback from

@PeteButtigieg to @BernieSanders, says that the difference is: “I trust you to choose what makes better sense for you..not my way or the highway..I trust the American people to make the best choice for them. Why don’t you?" #DemDebate


Roland Martin @rolandsmartin: That was a strong answer by @PeteButtigieg on systemic racism. Deep and concise. #DemDebate


Chris Matthews @HardballChris Senator Klobuchar and Mayor Pete are standing out tonight. They're putting themselves into this debate with impressive answers.#DemDebate


Asma Khalid @asmamk: Buttigieg talking about coming out is really a story we have never heard on the national debate stage in a presidential election. Every so often, it's easy to forget how novel that is.


Astead Wesley @AsteadWesley: shouldn't lose sight of how that buttigieg moment, a major candidate openly talking about coming out on presidential debate stage, is a historic one that seemed unlikely even a decade ago


Human Rights Campaign @HRC: Pete Buttigieg says that coming out as gay & “acknowledging who I was” could’ve been the most career-ending professional setback. Thank you, @PeteButtigieg for your bravery, and for showing LGBTQ youth across the country what is possible when you live authentically. #DemDebate


Amanda Hite @amandahite: @PeteButtigieg Sometimes I think you were conceived in a lab to be my perfect match politician. Your project, your approach, your values and vision resonates with me to the core of my being. Congratulations on the #DemDebate


Greg Pinelo @gregpinelo: Lot of very smart people on that stage tonight, but I find @PeteButtigieg to be so impressively sharp. Thinks on his feet extremely well, clearly an  intelligent AND well-educated person, but communicates authentically too. Strong heart and head appeal.


Julian Zelizer @julianzelizer: @PeteButtigieg delivers a very strong closing statement.


Elena Schneider @ec_schneider: .@PeteButtigieg connects immigration and rural revitalization. It's a creative way to tackle this issue. And the first time rural communities have come up in the debate so far.

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Kamala Harris for the People
Sep 13, 2019, 12:08 AM

Debate 3 Reviews Are In: Kamala Harris Had A Stellar Debate and Is Ready to Take on Donald Trump

In the third Democratic Presidential Debate, Senator Kamala Harris took the fight directly to Donald Trump, proving that she is best equipped to unify the country and take back the White House in 2020.

Reporters, pundits, activists, and elected officials agree that Kamala Harris owned the stage and delivered an incredibly strong debate performance. Read some of the early reviews below:

Ruben Gallego, U.S. Representative: “@KamalaHarris has been the strongest debater, has been having fun and is clearly the happy warrior on stage.”

Atima Omara, Virginia DNC Member: “Kamala Harris on the question of resilence: speaking personally to the experience of black women who've lived their lives trying to achieve, like running for office, when the world tells you no, all the time is real”

Ana Navarro-Cárdenas, CNN: “@KamalaHarris speaking truth re El Paso shooting: ‘Certainly, Trump didn’t pull the trigger. But he tweeted out the ammunition.’ Preach girl. Preach!”

David Catanese, McClatchy: “Harris has had a good first hour. She's warm, not defensive. She's hugging her rivals on stage, keeping trained on the issue and always Trump. She's not looking to fight. She's looking to be seen as a bridge candidate while the rest of them fight.”

Aisha C Moodie-Mills: “I really appreciate Kamala’s story telling tonight. She’s getting better at really humanizing the issues. Seems she’s working to flex her tough and soft sides.”

Fred Guttenberg, gun control activist: “Love @SenKamalaHarris line about Trump ‘he is tweeting out the ammunition.’”

Michael Cohen, Boston Globe: “Harris is really strong on why she became a prosecutor. Tonight it came after a brutal question, but she has a powerful message on trying to change the system from the inside”

Joan Walsh, CNN: “I'm neutral, but I have never loved @KamalaHarris more than right now, @BillOReilly. What are you doing with yourself right now, lil buddy?”

Topher Spiro, Center for American Progress: “Kamala Harris won the opening statement and the health care debate. Just sayin”

Joe Scarborough, MSNBC: “Kamala just gave one of the better answers of the campaign season. Stop talking only about differences between Democrats and start talking about Donald Trump.”

Charlotte Clymer, Human Rights Campaign: “Kamala Harris was fantastic in that answer on health care. Really well done.”

Ana Navarro-Cárdenas, CNN: “Oooh. I love @KamalaHarris giving Trump shade.”

Doug Sovern, KCBS: “@KamalaHarris stands out in #DemDebate opening statements by addressing @realDonaldTrump directly, looking at camera & saying ‘we all know he’s watching.’ After railing against him, she says ‘And now Mr. President, you can go back to watching Fox News.’ Roar of approval here.”

Michael Barbaro, New York Times: “Harris wins the opening statement battle.”

Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers: “Thank you @KamalaHarris for highlighting the importance of diverse teachers for diverse children.”

Sarah Silverman, entertainer: “Whoa @KamalaHarris saved her three pointers for the fourth quarter”

Mo Elleithee, former DNC communications director: “Kamala Harris’ climate change answer was powerful.  Did a good job of speaking to values, and connected how her record helped real people.”

Molly Hensley-Clancy, BuzzFeed: “Fwiw, the corny jokes are basically all landing at this bar in suburban Michigan where I am watching with the Democratic club. People looooved the Kamala Wizard of Oz bit”

Raul Castro, CNN: “At this early stage, Democratic voters are trying to decide who can best take on Trump. Harris seems eager to make the case that she can, by bringing him into the debate as much as she can. Instead of fighting against her fellow candidates, tonight she has her eyes on the prize.”

John Avlon, CNN: “Kamala tough but clear eyed on China.”

Robert Garcia, Mayor of Long Beach, CA: “Glad Kamala Harris pushed strong on her experience as a prosecutor and as Attorney General. She was our first Black AG and pushed more and accomplished more than anyone in the office before. Proud of her and her criminal justice reform plans. Great answer, Kamala.”

Penny Rosjford, Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee member - “Thankful that Kamala reminded us who is really trying to take away our health care. When Donald Trump spent his first year trying to leave millions uninsured, he ignited women across this country to take charge fighting for our families. We have to continue to remind people who we are fighting, and she did just that.”

Sue Dvorsky, former Iowa Democratic Party Chair, former school teacher, and National Education Association activist - “Tonight the whole country can see what we've seen in Iowa already. Kamala Harris is whip smart, thoughtful and ready on Day One. #ForThePeople”

Kyrstin Delagardelle, Des Moines School Board Member and teacher librarian - “Senator Harris understands the commitment teachers make to their students and communities and wants to value that with her plan to increase teacher pay. HBCU's teacher education programs need unprecedented investment to grow teachers of color across the country. All of our students deserve the best teachers and Sen. Harris's plans would support growing enrollment among teachers of color to promote more teachers who look like their students in the short term and provide something to build on for generations to come.”

Jean Hessburg, Iowa Democratic Party Women's Caucus Chair - “We can change our behaviors” Kamala again proves this isn’t esoteric discussion- it’s plain; there’s a plan; yes we can @KamalaHarris #DemocraticDebate #IACaucus #ForThePeople

Faith Leader DJ Jackson- “‘Yes We Can’ @KamalaHarris is positioning herself as the clear heir to Obama’s legacy.”

Amy Hayes, Former York County Democratic Party Chairwoman-“Kamala was the first in the field to talk about using the federal government to raise teacher pay Anyone can have a plan...This is clearly a priority for her. Do you hear the passion?”

Antjuan Seawright, South Carolina Democratic consultant- “Smart for @KamalaHarris to go after the other side immediately!”

State Rep. Patty Cornell, Vice Chair of the Manchester Democrats-“Kamala's joy was infectious tonight as she proved once again that she is the very best candidate to beat Donald Trump. I was so pleased to see her highlight her solutions to problems facing Americans. Her emphasis on uniting the country -- not dividing -- is crucial and how she will get things done as president. I'm proud to have endorsed her, and I’m so happy she never listened to those who said she shouldn’t run for various offices throughout her career because she is the absolute right candidate for this moment.”

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Joe Keefe-"Tonight, Kamala taught a master class in how take on Trump. She made clear that she is focused on bringing the country together and unifying Americans around solutions to our common challenges -- like putting food on the table, combatting gun violence, and ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare. Kamala is going to unite the country and make a great president in the process."

The Honorable Jackie K. Weatherspoon, Co-Chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party African Amercan Caucus-“Kamala has pursued justice her entire career, and that laser focused was on display tonight. Kamala's plans will unite, not divide, and she will govern with clear-eyed leadership. Her performance in the debate tonight was just another instance where her passionate, committed leadership was on full display. I can't wait for her to be president."

@OliviaStitilis: “Overheard in Boulder City, “I’m a lifelong Republican, but I’m now supporting @KamalaHarris and I want my granddaughter to have a strong female role model like her.” #ForThePeople”

@JenniferLopezNV: “@KamalaHarris grew up acutely aware of the flaws in the criminal justice system. She made a conscious decision to become a prosecutor to make change from within the system. We need a president like Kamala Harris, who has a plan to fix the system. #ForThePeople #DemDebate #KHive”

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Beto for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Sep 12, 2019, 11:31 PM

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BETO’S DEBATE PERFORMANCE:

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 13, 2019

What They’re Saying: Granite Staters Praise Beto O’Rourke’s Breakout Performance in the Democratic Debate

MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Following last night’s Democratic debate in Houston, New Hampshire voters, activists, and experts agree: Beto delivered the strongest performance and had a clear breakout moment when he called for mandatory buybacks of assault weapons and an end to gun violence in the United States. Beto showed Granite Staters how we can defeat Donald Trump, unify the American people, and tackle the toughest challenges facing our country.

Four days after his fifth visit to New Hampshire, Beto outlined his vision for the country, calling for a conversation around reparations and boldly connecting the dots between Trump’s words and behavior and the racism, white supremacy, and violence that has ravaged the country.

PRAISE FOR BETO’S PERFORMANCE

ARTICLES

WMUR: “Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke may have had the breakout night that eluded him in the first two debates in making a strong case for an assault-style weapon buyback program. [...] The consensus among Scala, Spiliotes and fellow politics professor Wayne Lesperance of New England College was that several candidates had good nights but that, with one exception, there were no moments likely to move the needle dramatically in a positive way for any candidate. The exception may be O’Rourke, who stood out on the gun violence issue by reinforcing his call for a federal buyback system for AK-47 and AR-15 rifles.”


WBUR: “I believe Debbie has a call about Beto O’Rourke. Debbie, what’d you make of the former Congressman had to say last night?

“I loved what he had to say. That got me out of my chair. I thought it was fabulous and I think that’s what the country needs to hear. And that’s what’s going to get the young people and the people who voted for Obama back to the polls and voting for someone who’s going to make a difference. Now I’d like to see him team up with Elizabeth Warren frankly. I don’t know what the best combo is yet. You commented earlier in the program that you didn’t see anything unusual or surprising. I thought what he had to say was very exciting and I’m really thrilled to see that coming forward and I’m definitely going to get behind him.”


Boston Globe: “Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke said he supported mandatory buybacks of certain weapons, including the AR-15, in a passionate response during the Democratic primary debate to recent mass shootings in Texas. [...] The statement quickly struck a nerve with the wider audience. O’Rourke’s staff reported they were seeing record online fund-raising numbers in the wake of his comments.”


Boston Herald: “Former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke drew some of the loudest applause of the night calling for a mandatory assault weapon buyback, ‘Hell yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47.’”


WBZ: “Jon Keller: ‘While I saw no clear losers tonight, Beto O’Rourke likely helped himself with a blunt promise to confiscate certain weapons.’”


WDHD: “O’Rourke getting praise on the stage from his fellow candidates on the stage in the wake of that shooting. He turned in perhaps his strongest debate performance so far.”

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Bernie 2020
Sep 13, 2019, 3:57 PM

NEWS: Bernie Sanders Campaign Statement on Joe Biden's Dishonest Attacks

"It's disappointing Joe Biden is echoing the deceptions and falsehoods of the health care industry"
 
WASHINGTON – Bernie 2020 campaign manager Faiz Shakir released the following statement today on former Vice President Joe Biden's dishonest attacks on Medicare for All:

"Having a real debate about the health care crisis in America is critically important. It's disappointing Joe Biden is echoing the deceptions and falsehoods of the health care industry which is spending millions to protect the $100 billion in profits they made last year.

"Here are the facts: Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All plan provides comprehensive coverage to all Americans and ends all premiums, co-payments, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. Further, under Bernie’s plan, no American will spend more than $200 a year in prescription drugs and we will end the insanity of 500,000 Americans going bankrupt each year because of medical bills.

"Bernie’s plan will be funded through a progressive tax system which means the overwhelming majority of Americans and small businesses will be paying substantially less for health care than they are paying now. Joe Biden may love the insurance industry and the outrageously high premiums, co-payments and out-of-pocket expenses they charge us. Most Americans don’t. It is time to create a health care system that works for all of us, and not just the insurance companies and the drug companies."

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Bullock for President
Sep 12, 2019, 10:58 PM

Governor Bullock Response to Tonight’s Democratic Debate

Des Moines, IA – After a Democratic debate that failed to put forward a coherent strategy to win back places Democrats have lost, or pay more than lip service to the issue of our time — money in politics — Montana Governor Steve Bullock released the following statement.

“This election is about making our economy and our democracy work again for the millions of Americans that Washington has left behind. That will be virtually impossible if we can’t end the toxic influence of money in politics, and there wasn’t a single question asked about how we’re going to accomplish that,” said Montana Governor Steve Bullock. “I’m the only candidate in this field who has led the fight against money in politics and with real victories to show for it. If we want to get anything done, we need to start by getting the corrupting influence of money out of our elections. This is the fight of our time, and it’s been the fight of my career — and I’m going to keep fighting until we win.”
 

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Republican National Committee
Sep 12, 2019, 10:52 PM