Campaign 2020: Democratic Debates Continue Tonight With Another 10 Candidates
MIAMI (CBSNewYork/AP) - Voters got their first look at a diverse field of presidential candidates last night, as ten democratic hopefuls took the stage in Florida.
Seven men and three women sparred on everything from healthcare to the economy, and some candidates who weren't getting the air time they wanted took it for themselves, reported CBS2's Jessica Moore.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker were among a diverse field of candidates. On a crowded debate stage with few household names, de Blasio tried his best to leave a lasting impression.
MORE: Campaign 2020: De Blasio, Cory Booker Spar With Fellow Candidates In First Democratic Debate
It was a fight to be noticed during the first of two Democratic presidential primary debates. The candidates sparred over everything from Iran to the economy and health care.
"Health care is not just a human right, it's an American right, and I believe the best way to get there is Medicare for all," Booker said.
"I am simply concerned about kicking half of America off their insurance," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
De Blasio saw an opening and he pounced.
"Private insurance isn't working for tens of millions of Americans," he said, jumping in on a question posed to Beto O'Rourke.
The mayor's forceful participation won points with some analysts, like Larry Levy from Hofstra University.
"Of all people, de Blasio stood out. He was the quintessential New Yorker, elbowing his way into the conversation," Levy said.
Levy said the debate highlighted a clear shift to the left for the Democratic party, which could be a challenge come November 2020.
"If you can't build a bridge between progressive base to moderate voters in suburbia you're going to win anything but maybe a primary in Queens," Levy said.
As for tonight's part two, frontrunners Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders will square off, pitting a moderate Democrat against a progressive socialist. We'll also hear from the country's first LGBT candidate Mayor Pete Butigieg, as well as from Sen. Kamala Harris, who made headlines during Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)