12 Democratic candidates in 4th primary debate

Daily News Article   —   Posted on October 16, 2019

(by Nicholas Sakelaris, UPI) — The fourth Democratic primary debate [took place] in central Ohio [last night] and featured a dozen candidates on the stage, from a still expansive pool of hopefuls in which seven failed to qualify. …

Of the 19 Democratic candidates, 12 qualified for the debate, which required more stringent criteria.

Those who [participated] include former Vice President Joe Biden, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Minnesota Sen Amy Klobuchar, former housing secretary Julian Castro, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Indiana mayor Pete Buttgieg, businessman Andrew Yang, former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, activist Tom Steyer and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who appeared after suffering a heart attack two weeks ago.

The debate was moderated by CNN anchors Erin Burnett and Anderson Cooper and New York Times National Editor Marc Lacey.

The debate’s heightened requirements included at least 2 percent support in four early state or national polls and 130,000 unique donors. Both Steyer and Gabbard qualified this time, despite not making the cut in the third debate in Houston last month. …

Seven candidates were not on the stage — Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, former Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak, former Maryland Rep. John Delaney, New Age author and lecturer Marianne Williamson and Florida mayor Wayne Messam.

Experts expect the pool to shrink further in the following primary debates. The party said last month even more stringent requirements must be met to qualify going forward — 3 percent support in the four early voting states or national polls and 165,000 unique donors.

So far, just five candidates have qualified for the Nov. 20 debate in Georgia — Biden, Warren, Sanders, Harris and Buttgieg. The venue and format have yet to be announced. …

What will they talk about?

The House’s impeachment inquiry involving President Donald Trump is expected to be a topic of discussion, and how it relates to Biden’s involvement over his son’s [controversial] professional dealings in Ukraine. Most Democratic candidates have voiced support for the impeachment inquiry.

Healthcare is also sure to be discussed, as several candidates have unveiled plans to reform or enhance the healthcare system. Biden has said he would effectively build on the Affordable Care Act, while Sanders and Warren support “Medicare For All” plans.

Questions about the economy, the trade conflict with China, tensions with Russia and Iran and gun violence are also expected to be posed to the candidates.

Published at UPI .com. Reprinted here for educational purposes only. May not be reproduced on other websites without permission from United Press International.