Each candidate at the Democratic debate spoke briefly about their views during the crowded September debate held in Houston.
Ten candidates were crowded onto one stage for the third debate, in Houston. While spending an average of seven minutes on each topic, not many went into the details of their policies. Teacher Sara Russell felt this lack of depth makes it difficult to pinpoint the differences in candidates, “I look forward to watching a debate with fewer candidates on the stage,” she said.
Gun control was a notable topic during the debate. Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke grabbed attention when he said, “Hell yes, we’re gonna take your AR-15.” Many candidates on stage also praised O’Rourke for his handling of the mass shooting in his home town of El Paso, Texas. Vice President Joe Biden praised O’Rourke, “the way he handled what happened in his hometown is meaningful,” he said.
The candidates then continued onto the pressing issue of healthcare, an issue most of the Democrats do not agree on. Biden started by criticizing Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren’s plan for universal health care. Biden started by questioning how Sanders and Warren plan on paying for their plan, “I want to hear tonight how that’s happening,” he said. While responding neither Sanders or Warren gave a firm answer.
One poignant response came from Senator Amy Klobuchar. She responded, “While Bernie wrote the bill, I read the bill.” Klobuchar was careful to cite her sources: “On page eight of the bill, it says that we will no longer have private insurance as we know it,” she said. This was meaningful to many when she included, “that means that 149 million Americans will no longer be able to have their current insurance in four years,” she said.
Senior Bell Luebken said, “I feel that an important issue to me is immigration. For example, making it easier for immigrants to come into our country and gain citizenship.” This was briefly discussed in the debate. Russell added to Luebken’s comment with, “I would like to see greater focus on a few issues that allow the candidates to go more in-depth.” The next debate will be hosted by CNN/The New York Times on October 15.
