Thread by @benrileysmith

**Five takeaways from the first Democrat 2020 debates**

(👇👇Summary below👇👇)
telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/2…

1) Dems aren’t afraid to take on Biden

Frontrunner endured a bruising night, with Harris, Swalwell + Sanders all piling in. Biden-Harris clash was the key moment.

Expect others to try to emulate in future debates. It’s now open season on his 1/2 century-long political career.

2) Healthcare splits are deep and significant

One of the Dems’ strongest cards in 2020 will be healthcare. Yet field is deeply divided on way forward.

Ranges from ending private insurance entirely (Sanders, Warren) to just adding a public option (Biden). Massive issue in race.

3) Trump will keep lobbing grenades

Trump was flying to / was in Japan for G20 during debates, yet it didn’t stop him tweeting.

First he dubbed it “BORING!”, then took swipe at migration position. Both generated headlines.

Trump will play a big role in shaping this race.

4) Breaking through for the unknowns is exceptionally hard

How many headlines have you read about the performances of Inslee, Bennet, Hickenlooper or Yang?

10way format is v hard to shine in. Lesser-known names largely drowned out. They may take more combative stance next time.

5) Are Democrats going soft on foreign intervention?

Trump’s criticism of overseas wars connected in 2016. Could a similar message resonate in this race?

Tulsi Gabbard’s anti-intervention pitch got cheered. Biden boasted of bringing back 150k troops from Iraq. One to watch.