At first, it looked like the rematch was on.
Sen. Kamala Harris and former Vice President Joe Biden, standing at center stage at the Democratic presidential debate in Detroit, were clearly ready to reprise their prior debate face-off, training their focus on each other as the debate began. But the others on stage werent ready to cede the evening to the two top candidates.
Instead, both Harris and Biden found themselves playing defense not just against each other, but also against their other rivals: Sen. Michael Bennet, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, former U.S. Housing Secretary Julian Castro, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and entrepreneur Andrew Yang.
It was a vivid illustration of the perils of being a front-runner.
Here are the main takeaways from Wednesdays debate:
BOOKER STEPS INTO THE RING
Political watchers were abuzz with the prospect of a Harris-Biden showdown, after her searing rebuke of his civil rights record in the June debate. But while the California senator was clearly aiming her focus on Biden particularly when arguing about health care it was Booker who landed the most memorable scorchers against the former vice president.
The first blow came during the immigration debate, when Biden was attacked for the high number of immigrant deportations during the Obama administration. Biden demurred on whether he, as vice president, disagreed with President Barack Obamas actions.
You invoke Obama more than anyone in this campaign, Booker said. You cant do it when its convenient and then avoid it when its not.
Later, Biden criticized Booker for troubles at the Newark police department while he was mayor. Booker responded that hed be happy to compare his record on criminal justice against Biden, adding with raised eyebrows Quite frankly, Im shocked that you do.
He repeatedly hammered Biden for his role in the sweeping 1994 anti-crime bill, which Booker said has led to a crisis of mass incarceration
When Biden was undeterred on slamming Booker on civil rights abuses by Newark police, Booker had an easy quip in return: Youre dipping into the Kool-Aid and you dont even know the flavor.
MIXED BAG FOR BIDEN
In the June debate, Biden seemed a half-step behind, making people wonder if Uncle Joe still had the vigor to withstand a tough campaign. On Wednesday, he half-jogged onto the stage and showed much more pep, particularly in the first half of the debate.
