Join us for tonight’s Democratic presidential debate and follow along with our reporters in real time.
Join us for tonight’s Democratic presidential debate and follow along with our reporters in real time.
Analysis of the January Democratic Debate
Jan 14, 2020
Analysis of the January Democratic Debate
Here is how our reporters covered the Jan. 14 debate in real time. You can also catch up withour recap,takeawaysandfact checks.
The debate was sponsored by CNN and The Des Moines Register.
Alexander Burns
National Political Correspondent
Buttigieg and Warren both delivering very sharp and clear pleas for big, big change. What they’re both up against is the instinct among many Dems to say: let’s beat Trump and then think about doing that stuff.
Alexander Burns
National Political Correspondent
Sanders does a version of the same, saying now is not the time to think small.
Lisa Lerer
Host, On Politics Newsletter
Biden: “Character is on the ballot this time around.”
Lisa Lerer
Host, On Politics Newsletter
This is a race, he says, about basic decency and restoring “America’s soul.”
Lisa Lerer
Host, On Politics Newsletter
Aaaaand we’re done.
Lisa Lerer
Host, On Politics Newsletter
Final thoughts everyone?
Astead Herndon
National Politics Reporter

Astead Herndon
National Politics Reporter
This is Warren’s team – the stat is so qualified we don’t know what it really means.
Astead Herndon
National Politics Reporter
But it’s them talking more about their process to build momentum.
Astead Herndon
National Politics Reporter
Here’s Sanders’s team:

Lara Jakes
Diplomatic Correspondent
The policy specifics seem so much more satisfying in these closers than broad platitudes that boil down to: I’ll work hard and be nice.
Lisa Lerer
Host, On Politics Newsletter
My instinct is that this debate doesn’t really reshuffle much. Though I suppose Biden benefits the most from not getting banged up.
Trip Gabriel
National Correspondent
Very little shifted, in my view.  It was also a debate without a candidate of color, and we heard little to nothing about racial justice, voting rights, zero about immigration and not a lot about economic gaps.
The New York Times Graphics
Ghost

Astead Herndon
National Politics Reporter
Apparently Warren and Sanders did not shake hands after the debate but exchanged a few words.
Astead Herndon
National Politics Reporter
If that means anything.
Maggie Haberman
White House Correspondent
I have a hard time seeing what changes after this debate, but who knows.
Lisa Lerer
Host, On Politics Newsletter
Maybe it was a missed opportunity for Buttigieg?
Lisa Lerer
Host, On Politics Newsletter
Warren took a shot with the electability exchange. Buttigieg didn’t even really try to shift any of the dynamics.
Lisa Lerer
Host, On Politics Newsletter
OK, thanks for joining us everyone! We’ll be recapping all the action tonight and tomorrow onnytimes.com. And, as usual, we’ll see you next month – after Iowa(!) – for the next debate.