11th Democratic Debate Predictions | Bernie Sanders vs Joe Biden | QT Politics

Bernie vs Biden: 11th Democratic Debate Predictions from QT Politics

Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden will face off head to head in the 11th Democratic Debate. While the original DNC plan called for 12 debates, the 11th could very well end up being the last debate of the 2020 Democratic Primary, and stakes couldn't be lower.

No matter who wins this debate, the result will probably not determine who becomes the Democratic nominee to face off against Donald Trump in the 2020 general election. Detracting even further from the excitement of this upcoming debate are several changes made to the format of the debate.

Due to concerns about the coronavirus, the debate has been moved from Phoenix, Arizona to Washington DC, where there will be no live audience, and the post-debate spin room interviews are cancelled.

The illness is also responsible for the current line up of moderators, as Jorge Ramos may have been exposed. In his place, Univision is sending Ilia Calderon, who will join CNN's Dana Bash and Jake Tapper.

Prior to the most recent changes, CNN had even planned on making this a seated, town hall style debate—a format allegedly preferred by the Biden camp, and objected to by Sanders' campaign. With no audience, though, I don't see how a town hall is even possible. I guess, they could still ask questions from twitter, and give Joe a chair.

Seated or not, the debate is still worth watching, for several reasons.

For one thing, it's one of Sanders' last chances to inspire democratic voters about his policy ideas, an important step in getting them into the party platform. Ideas like medicare for all, the green new deal, a federal jobs guarantee and tuition free public college are popular with a large portion of democratic voters, but have yet to be embraced by Biden.

As for Biden, the debate provides the opportunity to win over younger, and more progressive voters, and tamper concerns about his abilities. While Joe has managed to regained his status as front-runner, in part due to the pre- Super Tuesday dropouts and endorsements by Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar, and favorable media coverage after his victory in South Carolina, Biden must combat the notion that he's essentially winning by default. There are still widespread worries that his best days are behind him. Even relatively friendly outlets are describing Biden as somewhat diminished. The New York Times, for instance wrote about Biden's upcoming debate performance this way:

“Mr. Biden — often uneven in these debate settings — must navigate far more speaking time as he tries to appear capable of uniting the country and leading it through a crisis.”

Voters still concerned about Biden's capacity to take on Donald Trump, and the role of President of the United States, will likely watch with the debate with this question in mind:

Does he have what it takes?

#2020election
#qtpolitics
#debate

Question Time features video essays about politics, history and culture, with a particular focus on the United States of America. Topics are inspired by events and trends in news and current affairs, and attempt to provide context for a robust discussion in the comments section. All opinions presented in videos are my own, but yours matter, too. Your thoughts are highly valued, even when you don't agree. At the heart of every vibrant democracy are ordinary people, engaged in debate over policy and values.

Sources:

[movieman]

The only thing giving me hope for Bernie right now is the fact that Joe Biden is going to have to speak for far longer. We are likely to see many gaffs and weird moments from Biden. Also the coronavirus may make people rethink how important medicare for all really is.

[dylanmeleady]

This is good and all but Vermin has to win the presidency. #Vermin2020

[AllenParkerGarcia]

If Bernie spends this whole debate calling Joe Biden his “friend” and a “good guy” then it’s over

[justinspeaks.]

In my opinion this debate is going to be the most fiery one yet. Not between the candidates, but between thier supporters.
Edit: I was right. Bernie and Biden supporters are fighting in the replies.

[italktoomuch]

Having no live audience at the debate could potentially be the only silver lining of this coronavirus...

[ndomestre]

"Nothing will fundamentally change." Good luck, America.

[VivianJade]

This was depressing, because it was a reality check to my hope. Useful, beneficial, and ultimately correct, but painful all the same.

[tomimpala]

Bernie needs to Tulsi Biden on electability and his dementia.

[tomimpala]

Okay, Bernie, no more "Biden can win and is my friend" tomorrow, right?

[nanigov]

Bernie's got to take off the mittens on Joe

[MsCremant]

Debate drinking game: Take a drink every time you hear, "The establishment".

[crayonstastenice]

This video was so much more somber, I really felt it

[The_Sofa_King]

Bernie is not done yet. Until it’s mathematically impossible, it’s not over.

[InfernoBlade]

This is going to be Bernie’s last chance to recover and be frontrunner

[thefantorangster]

Most people dont watch the debates, Biden still wins sadly

[rachel.]

I've legit been depressed about this since super tuesday. I can't even look at the news anymore bc it's just a constant stream of joe-biden-is-unstoppable. Idk qt can you give me some hope 😩

[Becks]

#JohnDelaney2020 has definitely got this.

[firelifeblizzard]

Imagine seeing less than half of the delegates accounted for in the race and already giving up to Biden. C'mon, Question Time! Where's your stamina?

[Ratchet]

I cant wait for the post debate video!
I'm surprised we didn't get another livestream of the primary results.

[Daaanieeel]

Not convinced 'stamina' is a real word now thanks