Democratic Debate Notes, Part I, June 26, 2019

Modern television debates are a lousy way to assess political candidates, but as Winston Churchill said of democracy, they’re the best method yet devised.

Even so, as debates go, Wednesday’s 10-person Democratic presidential forum in Miami was an exceptional one. Each of the candidates comported himself and herself well. If you liked Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar before the debate, you’ll still like her after the debate, maybe more so. Same goes for Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, former Maryland Rep. John Delaney or Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

While every candidate spoke well, only three, in the eyes of this viewer, made themselves felt. And that’s what matters most. They are Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and lesser-known former HUD Secretary Julian Castro, who turned in a surprisingly strong performance.

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