One of the liabilities of being a front runner is in the debates. As the front runner, you can expect to take all the incoming fire. The Nevada debate was critical for Sanders as it is leading up to Nevada, a contest that could be pivotal for Bernie's success. Thankfully Bernie had money bags Mike to cover for him.
The debate turned out to be a cakewalk for Sanders because it was Bloomberg taking all the incoming. It's hilarious that so many here were giddy over Bloomberg's 'masterful' political skills and were sure his billions would save the party from Sanders and defeat Trump. So how did it go for Mike in his first public outing? As one Twitter wag put it: "Bloomberg brought a wallet to a knife fight."
Within 5 minutes, Warren eviscerated Bloomberg and ended his campaign. $500 billion down the toilet. So much for the guy who was going to make the Democratic party safe for billionaires again.
Some are unhappy because Warren didn't take the fight to Sanders. But those are people who want Warren and Sanders to loose. Bloomberg was a safe target for Warren and probably won her back contributions from Sanders supporters who had stoped giving to both campaigns and won some of their votes as well. On the other side of the 'centrist' lane, it seems Mayor Pete's brilliant strategy was to go hammer and tongs after the moderate in last place. The result was a series of really ugly back and forths that hurt both candidates. Amy looked like it was taking all her self-control to keep from strangling Pete on the stage. Biden was uncharacteristically coherent, ensuring he will hang in there for a while.
So the centrists have been neutered. The path has been cleared for Sanders. The other Progressive in the race is back on her feet with all cylinders firing. I don't see Warren losing voters to Amy or Mayor Pete in Nevada. Meaning more delegates in the Progressive column. All thanks to Bloomberg's billions. Mike took all the incoming fire for Bernie and provided the perfect foil for Warren. He advanced the two Progressives in the race while stunting the momentum of the centrists. Probably not the result Mike was looking for, but money can't buy you everything.