In the final debate before New Hampshire voters go to the polls, Iowa leaders Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg fended off attacks from each other and the other top Democrats on the stage Friday night. The night was crucial for Biden, who finished fourth in the Iowa caucuses. Biden tempered expectations, saying “I took a hit in Iowa, and I’ll probably take a hit here.”
New Hampshire voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, less than a week after the disarray in Iowa
The debate took place just days after President Trump was acquitted in the Senate impeachment trial. While the trial was not a central topic, the candidates praised Senator Mitt Romney for voting with Democrats to remove Mr. Trump from office for obstruction of justice.
Biden went after Sanders, saying he would lead down-ballot Democrats to be labeled as socialists, and Buttigieg, who he called a “cool newcomer.”
Sanders defended his stance on “Medicare for All,” guns and went after Buttigieg on top-dollar donors. Buttigieg, meanwhile, defended his record as South Bend mayor and tried to set himself apart from the other candidates.
As for local issues, the Democrats were asked to address the opioid epidemic, which has hit New Hampshire hard. Yang and Buttigieg both addressed the question, while Amy Klobuchar noted her commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic given her family’s personal history with addiction.
“I will get this done, and it is personal for me,” Klobuchar said.
The candidates also discussed a Democrat running who was not on stage: Michael Bloomberg. “I don’t think anyone ought to be able to buy their way into the nomination or into being president of the United States,” Elizabeth Warren said, to cheers.
Bloomberg has not yet qualified for a debate.
The next debate will be held in Las Vegas on February 19, ahead of the Nevada caucus on February 22.
