Sanders and Biden clash in first one-on-one debate
Former Vice President Joe Biden (left) and Senator Bernie Sanders(I-VT) (right) get set for Democratic debate. Getty Images
BY AARON SINCERE KERSHAWThe two viable Democratic presidential candidates faced off in their first one-on-one debate amid the global coronavirus pandemic on Sunday night.
Democratic presidential candidates former Vice President Biden (L) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) (R) bump elbows in wake of COVID-19 pandemic. (AFP/MANDEL NGAN)
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) entered the debate needing a groundbreaking performance that both excited his base and separated former Vice President Biden's record from that of former President Barack Obama. Whether accomplished the two goals is unclear as COVID-19 loomed over the audience-free debate.
Biden, rightly anticipating Sanders to attempt to bond the health crisis to his Medicare For All plan, agreed with Sanders' diagnosis of America's healthcare problems but slammed Sanders' prescriptions.
"People are looking for results, not a revolution," Biden said while attacking Sanders' political branding.
While Biden conceded there are flaws in today's healthcare system, Sanders questioned whether there was a system at all.
Sanders said, "One of the reasons we are unprepared is we don't have a system." "We've got thousands of private insurance plans. That is not a system."
Sanders, while attacking the pharmaceutical industry, blasted Biden for receiving campaign contributions from companies who look to profit from COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
Biden pivoted during the problematic exchange and looked forward to the general election, by subtly telling the debate moderators that he wanted to move the discussion along.
"I don't want to get this into a back and forth in terms of our politics," Biden said.
The statement appeared to be an attempt to mend the moderate/progressive divide that currently exists within the Democratic Party.
Sanders pressed about Fidel Castro
Former Vice President Biden (left) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Getty Images
When debate moderators pressed Sanders about comments praising former Prime Minister of Cuba Fidel Castro's education plan, Sanders sought to make the distinction between praise of a single policy and approval of a person.
"I think we condemn authoritarianism whether it's in China, Russia, Cuba or anyplace else, but to simply say that nothing ever done by any of those administrations had a positive impact on their people would, I think, be incorrect," Sanders said.
Biden condemned Sanders' Cuban policy praise despite being questioned about Barack Obama making similar comments of Castro's policies. He then rejected the clear comparison and pivoted to Sanders' other perceived praise of authoritarian regimes.
Biden makes a declaration
After Weeks of speculation, Vice President Biden set rumors ablaze on Sunday by committing to naming a woman as his future Vice President.
"There are several women who are qualified to be president tomorrow. I would pick a woman to be my Vice President," Biden said.
When asked if Sanders would follow suit, Sanders admitted that "In all likelihood," he would do the same.
Sanders and Biden hope their performances have increased the support for Democratic Primaries set for Tuesday, March 17.
