There are more than 20 Democratic candidates for president in 2020, and when one of them becomes our nominee, we need every Democrat to be fired up, ready to fight and to at least feign enthusiasm for the nominee. To do that, it’s going to be helpful to know some good things about each candidate starting now. That’s what this weekly series is for: to catch some of the good stuff that slipped through the cracks or to hammer home the great stuff that can’t be talked about too much, and most of all, to remind us that every Democrat in this race is preferable to Donald Trump not just because of the (D) beside their names but because of the substance of their ideas and quality of their characters.
This being a debate week, some candidates we haven’t heard much from had a chance to shine, and there were probably fewer overlooked moments than usual. But let’s check out strong moments from a big chunk of the candidates, if not all 20-something.
Kamala Harris had a great debate, in case you haven’t heard. Really exceptional.
Bernie Sanders sent an email warning about Donald Trump’s threatened deportation raids and informing people about their rights, in English and Spanish. That’s a really good use for a massive email list like Sanders’.
Julián Castro had a breakout first debate for all the right reasons, from immigration to reproductive justice to police brutality.
Elizabeth Warren prepared for the first debate not by holing up and practicing her answers but by visiting the prison for migrant children in Homestead, Florida, where she was blocked from entering.
Michael Bennet had a truly powerful debate moment talking about how he sees his mother, who survived the Holocaust, in the family separation crisis.
Pete Buttigieg took responsibility for excessive whiteness of the police force in South Bend, Indiana.
Jay Inslee released his Freedom from Fossil Fuels plan, continuing to highlight climate change and offer proposals to fight it.
Kirsten Gillibrand did not let up on keeping women’s rights in the discussion during the debate (night two).
Marianne Williamson was memorable in the same debate.
Joe Biden did not have a good debate, but he did have one viral moment that worked for him.
Cory Booker
Steve Bullock