WASHINGTON (AP) – In their first one-on-one debate of the Democratic presidential campaign, former vice president Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders faced off Sunday night in what could be a clarifying night in the race.
The two men had modest clashes, but the debate carried a mainly civil tone and a unified opposition to President Donald Trump.
Biden has a strong lead in delegates needed to win the nomination heading in Tuesday’s next round of primaries in four states. And it underscored this extraordinary moment in American politics and society, as the coronavirus pandemic remakes every aspect of life in the United States.
On the campaign trail, Joe Biden’s moderate approach to governing often fails to excite his party’s most passionate voters. But on the debate stage Sunday night, as the nation grappled with the consequences of a frightening pandemic, Biden’s pragmatism shined.
The former two-term vice president, who has spent the last four decades as a Washington insider, faced off against Bernie Sanders and his burn-it-down progressive politics in the first one-on-one debate of the Democratic Party’s 2020 primary season.
It was a moment seemingly made for someone with extensive governing experience. And Biden did not disappoint.
Joe: You get rid of the nine super pacs you have
Bernie: I don't have any Super PACs.
Joe: You want me to list them?
Bernie: ya, you go ahead and list them.
Joe: C'mon, give me a break
Bernie: No, I won't give you a break on this one.#DemDebate pic.twitter.com/nSJ9QqF3aJ
— People for Bernie (@People4Bernie) March 16, 2020
It is time ask the question of who owns the power in this country. #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/CU9ptbXFDE
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) March 16, 2020
Bernie Sanders just admitted Illegal Aliens will get to enjoy free Healthcare courtesy of the dumb tax payers. pic.twitter.com/m7C1QuSF5N
— ❌EPSTEIN'S SHEET🧻Aka SHOW MORE REPLIES ❌ (@johnpecco1) March 16, 2020
