With the Republican presidential
debates widely desensitizing the general public to extreme discord amongst
candidates, the latest Democratic debate seemed quite benign, even with the
inclusion of an escalating intensity in the verbal sparring between Hilary
Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Both questioned one another’s consistency, principles,
and future policy plans, but this is more of a change for Mrs. Clinton, as Mr.
Sanders has needed to defend his less centrist position since day one of his campaign
while Mrs. Clinton has been the long expected nominee and a clear representative
of the establishment.
Her confrontational
attitude over Mr. Sanders’s past voting on gun control and his single payer healthcare
model is indicative of the high value placed on the early primaries, where they
are polling close enough (46.8 to 42.8 according to the average of a number of
polls conducted from1/2 to 1/12 in Iowa) to give Clinton supporters something
to worry about. The momentum brought with a win in even one of these primaries
could increase awareness of Mr. Sanders, something Mrs. Clinton would be
especially sensitive to after the 2008 ascendancy of now president Barack Obama
following his win in Iowa.
Speaking of which, she
actually aligned herself with the president, who is polling favorably with
Democrats, pretty much solidifying her role as a symbol of the Democratic
establishment. Whether or not this secures her nomination is a different story.
Now for the questions.
What effect do you think this specific debate will have on the outcome of the
initial primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire? How do you feel about the ordering
of the primary system in general? Does it for a higher level of competition, or
does it localize it too much? As for policy, do you think Mrs. Clinton’s
decision to cement herself with the establishment a beneficial move, or does it
let Mr. Sanders appeal further to those disenchanted with the current
government? Any thoughts on the debate content are also welcome.
Sources:
Picture:
http://www.inquisitr.com/2719297/bernie-sanders-hillary-clinton-debate-the-merits-of-berniecare-vs-obamacare-video/
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