Stakes are high in Dems’ 1st debate
Clinton, Sanders, Webb, O’Malley and Chafee all have something to prove
Hillary Clinton and her four rivals each have something to prove Tuesday night.
The only participant at the first Democratic debate of the 2016 presidential campaign with nothing to prove is Sheryl Crow, the singer slated to open the evening by singing the National Anthem.
But for Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Martin O’Malley, Jim Webb and Lincoln Chafee, the stakes in Las Vegas Tuesday are going to be high. The two Republican debates held so far have demonstrated the impact the forums can have to shape and reshape voters’ impressions.
Here’s a quick look at what each of the candidates needs to do. The debate, sponsored by CNN and moderated by Anderson Cooper, starts at 8:30 PM ET. ‘HELLO, I’M HILLARY’ Since Hillary Clinton formally announced her campaign in April, she’s seen her poll standings fall and the controversy over her use of a private email server while secretary of State heat up. After a quarter-century in national politics, she no longer has a chance to make a first impression, but the debate does offer an opportunity for her to explain who she is and why she’s running.
“Whatever her message has been, it’s been drowned out by emails and servers and the opposition,” Democratic strategist Joe Trippi, a veteran of past presidential campaigns, said in an interview.
What analysts don’t expect her to do is attack Bernie Sanders, whose supporters she will need if she wins the nomination. “Frankly, both Sanders and Clinton need to communicate warmth,” says Democratic pollster Margie Omero. A PLAUSIBLE PRESIDENT
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders arrives at the debate in a stronger position than even some of his top strategists initially thought possible. He has become a hero to progressive voters and the chief challenger to Clinton.
When the debate ends, success for Sanders would be “that Democratic primary voters find a Sanders presidency plausible,” says Dante Scala, co-author of The Four Faces of the Republican Party, being published next month. “It’s one thing to be a prophet in the wilderness. It’s another to be presidential. That’s Sanders’ challenge.” I’M STANDING RIGHT HERE
If Sanders arrives at the debate in a stronger position than expected, Martin O’Malley arrives in a weaker one. The former twoterm Maryland governor needs a breakthrough moment or an exchange that convinces voters to consider his candidacy. REMEMBER IRAQ
Former Virginia senator Jim Webb has been running a lowprofile, low-budget campaign. But his centrist views and his blunt manner gives him the potential to challenge the contenders seen as more likely nominees. He also cites his opposition to the invasion of Iraq as a key selling point, which means he is likely to force Clinton to defend or at least discuss her 2002 vote to authorize the military action. RHODE ISLAND RESUME
Lincoln Chafee has the broadest political experience of anyone running for president in 2016. The Rhode Islander has served as a mayor, U.S. senator and governor, and he’s run for office as a Republican, an independent, and now as a Democrat. He needs the same sort of breakthrough moment as O’Malley and Webb, but analysts say his reserved manner may make it harder for him.