Deadlocked Democrats fail to find their next Obama

Candidates remain locked in four-way battle for presidential nomination after pivotal Iowa debate

ON A COLD and gloomy Iowa night they came looking for the next Obama.

More than 13,000 voters, the biggest gathering of Democrats all year, packed into the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, to see a host of 2020 candidates set out, in 10 minutes each, their vision for America, and why they can beat Donald Trump.

It was at the same event in 2007 that Mr Obama achieved liftoff, his soaring rhetoric catapulting him to the presidential nomination, and eventually the Oval Office. Twelve years later, no one has broken out from the crowded Democrat field. Polls show Iowa, the first state to vote on February 3, is a tight four-way battle between Elizabeth Warren, Joe

Biden, Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg.

Hours before the stadium event, known as the The Liberty and Justice Celebration, Beto O’Rourke, one of the early favourites, dropped out after polling anaemically. Mr Trump accused him of “quitting like a dog”.

In the arena the mood was more akin to a sports match than a political gathering, with blaring pop music and flashing lights between speeches, and supporters for each candidate sitting together dressed in differing colours.

The event offered a new challenge to candidates – the opportunity to deliver the type of big arena oratory that will be needed for whoever emerges to fight Mr Trump.

Despite the lack of a standout moment, Mr Buttigieg had the best night. A former Oxford University Rhodes scholar and ex-Afghanistan soldier, he delivered a series of barbed attacks on Mr Trump, arguing his mayoralty in Indiana means he understands blue collar workers better than the president.

“I don’t get helicoptered in to a golf course with my name on it while pretending to care about the working class,” Mr Buttigieg said. “I don’t even golf. I get around in a Chevy, that was built in Ohio by the same workers this president has let down.”

His speech drew some comparisons with Mr Obama’s address from US political commentators. An emotive passage describing how he once feared his homosexuality would make him an “outsider” but that he was now seeking the presidency drew cheers.

The fundamental battle in this campaign is between the moderate and progressive wings of the party. Mr Biden and Mr Buttigieg are tussling to be the moderates’ standard bearer. Ms Warren and Mr Sanders both want the progressives’ crown.

Among those watching in the arena were people who will be attending the Iowa caucuses on February 3, and so will help to decide which candidate comes out on top.

With Mr Trump on the backfoot over impeachment, fears are rising that a clear Democrat opponent has so far been slow to emerge from the pack.