July 5, 2019 --

Ten Democratic candidates gathered in Miami, June 26 to kick-off the 2020 primary debate season. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, called on first, was asked about concern that her plans for free college, cancelling student debt and breaking -up corporations would be risky for the economy. She indicated that the economy is "doing great" only for the people at the top. This view was echoed by the other participants. The candidates did not acknowledge that the theme that government is corrupt (stated by Warren), and that "we have government that is of, by and for the rich and powerful," (stated by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard) was set forth by President Trump in his Inaugural Address: "For too long, a small group in our Nation's Capital, has reaped the rewards of Government while the people have borne the cost." The president went on to say, "That all changes, starting right here and right now...." For these Democrats, obviously, things have not changed the past two and a half years. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that there is plenty of money in the country. "It's just in the wrong hands." The mayor was not asked to elaborate.

Nine of the candidates raised their hands when asked if they would renew the nuclear deal with Iran. Only Sen. Cory Booker dissented, but indicated that he would negotiate a new deal with Iran. LPR wondered if all the candidates would agree to a question whether they would move the U.S. embassy in Israel back to Tel Aviv, from Jerusalem. LPR also wonders how the candidates would stand on separation-of powers, presently under attack by Congress, in LPR's view.

Beto O'Rourke indicated that he would ask the Justice Department to consider prosecuting Donald Trump after he leaves the White House, but first O'Rourke said he favors an impeachment inquiry.

The candidates were asked what they consider the greatest geopolitical threat to the country. Several, like Sen. Warren, said climate change; others like John Delaney said China. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Donald Trump, and Mayor De Blasio said "Russia, because they're trying to undermine our democracy and they've been doing a good job of it...." The mayor was not asked to explain just how the Russians are undermining our democracy.

Rep. Gabbard was said by the Drudge Report to have won the debate, gaining more than 40% of those polled. Warren came in second with about 12%, followed by Delaney with 8.6 % and De Blasio with 7%. Perhaps the exchange between Ms. Gabbard, arguing, with Rep. Tim Ryan, in favor of a withdrawal from Afghanistan, helped spur interest in the Hawaiian congresswoman. She drew the most search inquiries on Google. Going into the debate her polling was said to be 0.8%. The other participants were Julian Castro, favoring ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, among other things, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who said she can win in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan, states won by President Trump in 2016.

Sen. Warren closed the debate, promising to "fight for you as hard as I fight for my own family."