South Carolina’s turn

Six Democratic contenders are expected to face off tonight in Charleston, four days before the critical South Carolina primary. For Joe Biden, a win in South Carolina is critical to his survival, and to keeping Bernie Sanders from running away with the nomination. Tripping up Sanders is also key to Pete Buttigieg’s chances, if not in South Carolina, then on Super Tuesday (should he hold on until then).

For several candidates who are struggling in single digits nationally and have yet to come close to winning a primary—Tom Steyer, Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren—it might be the last time to convince voters that they remain relevant. And for Mike Bloomberg, this is a do-or-die moment: He either shows that he is a real firewall to prevent Sanders, or reveals himself as a hurdle for others better capable of tackling Sanders.

With the Congressional Black Caucus Institute co-hosting the debate and the high percentage of African American voters in the state, racial justice issues are sure to be front and center. The temptation for candidates will be to waste time attacking Bloomberg’s stop-and-frisk policies. Bloomberg is not on the ballot.

If Warren, for example, wants to win the nomination and not simply avoid offending Bernie Bros, she must turn the debate to Sanders’ record.

If Buttigieg and Klobuchar have any chance to slow down Sanders, it is in pummeling him—not each other—before it is too late.

Finally, if candidates do not press Sanders on his age, health and refusal to release all medical records after his heart attack four months ago, they do not deserve to win.

If the candidates are taking on each other instead of Sanders, they are digging their own political graves.