The first hour devoted, primarily, to foreign affairs was more interesting than the second, which was, owing mostly to the moderators, a redundant and tired exercise in the candidates health care positions.

Overall, it is unlikely that the debate moved the needle in any appreciable degree in one way or another.  However, it appeared to me that the Biden we see is he Biden we will get.  He is consistent--offers experience, explanations, and little zest. Claims to understand the present state of the rancid Republican party, but cannot bring grudges to the presidency.

Steyer's tact was to be polite and agree, by name, with the other candidates whenever he could, crafting the reasonable man persona. He did not hurt himself last night, and by keeping that cash flowing he will stay in the race a while longer, probably, until his freshness of the moment goes stale.

Klobuchar was easy on the attack mode this time around restricting herself to the role of the wet blanket thrown on others ideas. And, by ignoring time called and continuing on with her answers she seemed impolite, if not inconsiderate. She is from the midwest, you know, and may experience a boomlet, however.

Pete was not a target last night, as he was at the last debate. This should worry Pete, since his polling numbers must show him to be less a threat. And, too, he did not intrude much on the others positions, deftly presenting his own positions and articulately answering questions. There is a sense of confidence that whatever the question thrown at him, his answer will be a good one.

Bernie was, as always, Bernie. He continues to provide only qualitative descriptions of Medicare for All funding, nimbly moving to the benefits rather than costs. I believe this to be a good strategy---discuss existing problems and benefits of change. Keep universal health care inspirational, the particulars will, in any event, be the result of the legislative sausage-making process.

Senator Warren has a plan for that, but realized, afterward, that she needed to transition her plan, essentially, making it a goal and in line with the other candidates (e.g., build on the ACA).

All of the candidates missed the boat by not contrasting more forcefully their plans with Trump's, including his DOJ presently arguing before the Supreme Court for a negative decision, but only after the election.

It boils down to: Democrats for better health care, Republicans for taking it all away.  Of course, Trump's campaign promise was to repeal Obamacare and replace it with "something terrific." So there is that.

Senator Warren was in good form, as usual. But she did little to disguise her pique with Bernie flat out denying that woman cannot win the presidency.

As for that contretemps, the matter played into the media's search for sparks. Where the truth lies, will probably depend on which horse you are backing.  But, my view was shaped prior to the debate by an interview with Bernie's long-time campaign surrogate, Nina Turner. Ms. Turner never known as a delightful personality, must have gone to a Swiss Clinic to have whatever charm that remained surgically removed. Rather than trying to smooth matters over by, say, suggesting a misunderstanding or misinterpretation, continued  with Bernie's "ludicrous" irascibility.  In any event, I would guess it will blow over soon, but I got the impression that Senator Warren will have a different and new look at the Sander's campaign.

And, there was another, after the debate interview of note: Mayor Bloomberg was on Colbert's Late Night Show.  There is often the arrogance of a successful businessman, and Bloomberg is a very, very, very successful businessman. Although most who have $60 billion will be arrogant, too.

PS
that's Chris Cilizza wrote that.  The irony is he is not wrong.

The idea this is the headline the morning after (and not just on CNN) honestly should disqualify both of them.

1. I'm glad that those parishioners down in Texas put a stop to a would be mass murderer.

2. I'm happy that millions are now employed in good paying jobs that have made the country energy independent for the first time in decades. OPEC can pound sand.

3. Only a woman can get pregnant and birth a child.
   

The thing between Warren and Sanders seemed to be handled the worst possibly way by both the moderators and candidates.

With some credit being given to Warren for redirecting the Bernie question.

"He turned to me and asked me to end that war," he said.

That didn't seem to have worked out so well.

To whom do we turn?

I feel much better now.

I have decided last night performance was a clever plan to make the performance we just saw by Nancy look even more like a superhero by comparison.