The strict debate requirements for the third Democratic debate, which aired Thursday night, cut the field in half. Without time on the debate stage, and without the polling, funds, and donors to get there, the candidates that weren't on the stage Thursday night are all but out of the race. Now, effectively, we're down to ten Democratic candidates, and all of them took the ABC stage tonight to tell the country about their plans—as was uttered approximately 1,038 times—"when I am president."
The third round of debates—debate, singular, for the first time this election season—was filled with political heavy-hitters; gone were the Marianne Williamsons and John Hickenloopers. It was a fast-paced evening, with moderators Jorge Ramos, Linsey Davis, George Stephanopoulos, and David Muir lobbying tough questions at the remaining candidates. Highlights included: Andrew Yang announcing his...unusual plan to give 10 people $1,000 worth of "freedom dividends" from his campaign funds; Biden suggesting that communities of color should make their children listen to "record players" and holding back from finishing a word that sounded an awful lot like "phonograph,"; Elizabeth Warren calmly holding her own, as usual; and protesters trying to storm the stage.
Twitter had a lot of thoughts about the debate—and here are some of the best takeaways.
Once again for the cheap seats: forced pregnancy laws are becoming the norm. Legislators are opening talking about criminalizing women. The fundamental freedom of over half the population is at stake and NOT ONE QUESTION ABOUT ABORTION. #DemDebate #DemocraticDebates https://t.co/GgU05tKhdRSeptember 13, 2019
we gonna go a whole debate w/out abortion question?September 13, 2019
Chrissy Teigen Had Thoughts
I am going to upset a lot of people here but I don’t think I’m comfortable with a president who is 1 thousand years oldSeptember 12, 2019
Warren Made an Important Point
I'm glad Warren brought up suicide & domestic violence & reframed it as an overall gun violence problem... And then pushed it to CORRUPTION and the power of the gun lobby, which is exactly right.September 13, 2019
WARREN, THO.
I just burst into tears when Warren started talking if you want to know my current mental state #DemDebateSeptember 13, 2019
Just about every time I watch Elizabeth Warren speak, I have the following thought:“I want to live in the country that has this woman as its President.”September 13, 2019
Bernie Had a Bit of a Cold
This Was...Awkward
Beto Came Out Strong on Gun Control
"Hell yes, we're going to take your AR-15, your AK47."Beto is doing INCREDIBLE tonight. This is personal for him. #DemDebateSeptember 13, 2019
A...Record Player?
In a different time, Biden’s “record player” word salad might be a campaign-ending gaffe. I miss those days.September 13, 2019
That Said...
If Sanders and Biden and Warren are all in their 70s and only one of them is getting called out for forgetting things and he’s not even the oldest of the bunch, then I have trouble with the ageism argument.September 13, 2019
A Heartbreaking Moment
I didn't realize the children killed in Sandy Hook would be in 8th grade now, that just about broke me. #DemDebateSeptember 13, 2019
Joe Biden Faced Criticism
Somebody gotta say it: The overwhelming support for Joe Biden is based purely off fear that white folks won’t vote for anyone else on that stage. Because there is no way you see him in these moments and think he’s actually the best candidate.September 13, 2019
A Perfect Cartoon
this cartoon really captures the act of being oppressively satisfied with something stupid that sucks https://t.co/iNVe9sVO1QSeptember 13, 2019
Pete Buttigieg Told a Powerful Story
"I was not interested in not knowing what it was like to be in love any longer, so I just came out." @PeteButtigieg reflecting on the power of coming out and the power of trust was an incredible moment in the #DemDebateSeptember 13, 2019
One Big Difference...
Marianne Williamson’s absence is felt.September 13, 2019
And If Anyone Wondered
Us Too, Cher
I’m Exhausted LATER🕶September 13, 2019
I feel you, Cher. I really do.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
-
Elle Macpherson Recalls Drinking Vodka From Shattered BottleThe model details her struggle with alcohol use in her new memoir.
-
Give Selena Gomez's 'Emilia Pérez' Coat the Oscar AlreadyThe symbolic costuming choice is also my winter wardrobe inspiration.
-
The True Story of Dolours and Marian Price Is Just As Harrowing As It Seems in 'Say Nothing'The new FX series is set in Ireland during The Troubles.
-
Documentaries About Black History to Educate Yourself WithTake your allyship a step further.
-
In 'We Are Not Like Them' Art Imitates Life—and (Hopefully) Vice VersaRead an excerpt from the thought-provoking new book. Then, keep scrolling to discover how the authors, Jo Piazza and Christine Pride, navigated their own relationship while building a believable world for Riley and Jen—best friends, one Black, one white, dealing with the killing of an unarmed Black boy by a white police officer.
-
Love Has LostQuasi-religious group Love Has Won claimed to offer wellness advice and self-care products, but what was actually being dished out by their late leader Amy Carlson Stroud—self-professed “Mother God”—was much darker. How our current conspiritualist culture is to blame.
-
What Does "ROC" Mean at the Tokyo Olympics?It's a temporary workaround in the aftermath of Russia's massive doping scandal.
-
Trolls Thought I Was Anthony Weiner’s Cyber MistressTen years later, I realize I shouldn’t have been ashamed.
-
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month With Gold House's 2021 A100 ListVice President Kamala Harris, Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, Naomi Osaka, and Saweetie are just a few of the leaders uplifting the AAPI community this year. Here's how to show your support.
-
The Unbearable Whiteness of BalletIn an exclusive excerpt from her new book Turning Pointe, contributing editor Chloe Angyal lays out the ways that white supremacy is embedded in ballet's most basic foundations.
-
Magi Was Excited to Be the First Ethiopian on 'The Bachelor.' Then Came the Tigray ConflictHer fellow contestants rallied around her during ethnic cleansing in her Ethiopian home.
