First 1-on-1 TV Debate in US Democratic Party... Biden 'Calm' vs Sanders 'Nervous'

Presidential Debate Moved from Phoenix, Arizona to Washington DC Due to COVID-19

Both Candidates Strongly Criticize Trump Administration's Inadequate COVID-19 Response

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] The first TV debate between the two Democratic presidential candidates, former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders, was held on the 15th (local time) in Washington DC. Both candidates spoke with one voice on issues such as President Donald Trump's response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the nomination of a female vice president, but revealed differences in their positions on climate issues and healthcare. Especially regarding the TV debate held that day, U.S. media praised former Vice President Biden for his excellent performance, while evaluating that Senator Sanders needs to revise his strategy, further strengthening the momentum for Biden's frontrunner status.

The debate was originally scheduled to take place in Phoenix, Arizona, but was moved to the CNN studio in Washington DC due to concerns over COVID-19. The debate was held without an audience, and the two candidates greeted each other by bumping elbows instead of shaking hands. Considering both candidates' advanced ages, they also maintained a distance of 6 feet (1.82 meters) during the debate in accordance with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Former Vice President Biden and Senator Sanders are 77 and 78 years old this year, respectively.

Both candidates attacked President Trump's inadequate handling of COVID-19. Former Vice President Biden likened the situation to a "war," stating, "We must mobilize the military to build temporary hospitals and other necessary treatment facilities, and deploy all government resources to minimize economic damage." Senator Sanders also pointed out the limitations of the U.S. insurance healthcare system and argued for the introduction of a system that provides health insurance to everyone. In other words, he emphasized his key pledge of "Medicare for All." Former Vice President Biden countered, saying, "Italy also has a single-payer healthcare system," and "This crisis is not about insurance."

Both candidates also stated that if they become the Democratic presidential nominee, they would select a woman as their vice presidential candidate. Former Vice President Biden said, "There are many women qualified to be future presidents of the United States," and "I will choose a woman as my vice president." Senator Sanders responded, "I will do the same," and emphasized, "It's not just about selecting a woman as the vice presidential candidate; we have progressive women."

However, they showed differences in their positions on environmental issues such as climate change. When former Vice President Biden said, "I will rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement from which we withdrew," Senator Sanders criticized, "That alone is not enough," pressing Biden. Particularly known for his aggressive stance on climate issues, Senator Sanders has emphasized declaring a national emergency on climate change and investing $16.3 trillion over the next 15 years.

Additionally, Senator Sanders criticized former Vice President Biden for having easily compromised with Republicans and the wealthy on issues such as abortion, LGBTQ rights, and social security. Former Vice President Biden attacked Senator Sanders for previously voting against gun control and praising dictatorships such as Cuba.

However, both candidates expressed in unison that regardless of who advances to the general election, they would work for the other's victory. Senator Sanders said, "If I lose and Joe wins, Joe, I will be with you."

Experts evaluated that Senator Sanders, who had shown strong performances in previous TV debates, now needs fundamental change. The Washington Post stated, "Senator Sanders has shown strengths in TV debates so far, but since he is trailing former Vice President Biden in Super Tuesday and 'Mini Tuesday' contests, it is time to show a new side that can overturn this." Senator Sanders, who has been strong in TV debates, appeared nervous during this debate, making mistakes such as referring to COVID-19 as 'Ebola.'

Former Vice President Biden was considered strategically wise despite showing some wavering on certain issues. David Axelrod, director of the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics and former advisor to President Barack Obama, said, "Former Vice President Biden showed his best performance among the 11 debates held so far," and "He handled issues like the economy and abortion well, and his mention of nominating an African American woman to the Supreme Court was very strategic."

Meanwhile, in the Pacific West U.S. territory Northern Mariana Islands caucus held on the 14th as a stepping stone primary, Senator Sanders won. Out of six delegates at stake, Senator Sanders secured four, and former Vice President Biden took two. The next primaries will be held on the 17th in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio through a primary system.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.