CBS Boston: Joe Biden Shuts Down Bernie Sanders In Final Democratic Debate

[wyldwolf]

The eleventh and last Democratic presidential debate started badly for Bernie Sanders and went downhill from there.

Asked for comment on the coronavirus, Joe Biden appealed for unity, said if he were in charge he’d be looking to the experts, and talked about the need for readily available drive-through testing.

Bernie said job one was to “shut this president up right now.”

In past debates, Sanders’ political passion – compared with Biden’s establishment nostrums – would have drawn superior crowd reaction. But the CNN/Univision debate was a socially distant affair, held in a DC TV studio with no live audience.

Their absence appeared to deflate Sanders. His familiar attack points and applause lines seemed to land harmlessly without a whooping crowd to underscore the punches, draining a measure of his usual energy.

It was a mistake for the Sanders campaign to insist on standing at podiums instead of sitting at a table. That gave Biden a visible height edge, enhanced by his superior posture, that wasn’t so visible in previous debates.

And CNN’s relentless use of those tight angles in a split-screen didn’t help Sanders, who looked increasingly flustered as Biden won round after round.

After Sanders delivered an effective monologue about flaws in the US healthcare system exposed by the pandemic, Biden noted that virus-ravaged Italy has Sanders’ beloved single-payer system “and it is not working right now.” When Bernie tried to press his point, Joe blew him off with a line that seemed to ridicule the very notion of the virus as a debating point: “This is a national crisis, I don’t want to get into a back and forth here.”

And Bernie was stuck on the ropes during a lengthy pummeling by Biden over his kind words for Castro’s Cuba and other unsavory regimes, one of the key reasons why Sanders’ tenure as frontrunner barely lasted a week. At one point, Sanders blurted that “extreme poverty in China today is much less than it was forty years ago, that’s a fact!” Great timing for some China tire-pumping!

Biden moved in for the kill: “The praising of the Sandinistas, the praising of Cuba, the praising just now of China…the idea that he praised the Soviet Union…this man voted against sanctioning Russia for its interference in our election!…I don’t get it…. It’s absolutely contrary to any message we want to send the rest of the world.”

There was more bloodletting before the merciful end. By the time he finally got to deliver his counter to Biden’s electability trump card, Sanders was on the defensive. His undisputed claim to be the preferred choice of younger voters came out awkwardly and apologetically: “Young people are not great voters.”

More..

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/03/16/coronavirus-democratic-debate-joe-biden-running-mate-bernie-sanders-jon-keller-wbz-tv/

[ucrdem]

1. I knew that stupid sit-down gotcha would come back and bite him.

What I've seen has favored Biden visually just like I knew it would. What a dumb move.

[Cha]

12. And that smear they were pushing about

Biden's "cognitive decline".. they got blowback karma on both of them

[ucrdem]

19. I don't think he'll be asking for more debates.

And if he does I don't think he'll get them!

[Skya Rhen]

2. Beautiful piece - thank you!

[beachbumbob]

3. the realization that sanders is NOTHING but a suit filled with hot air is clearly revealed,

his ego drives all and its time to say enough is enough. Lets concentrate on removing GOP from power everywhere and rebuilding our failed institutions and THEN improve them. We need no fucking revolution to make changes for the better. What we need are people who willing to do the hard work and commitment. If you are 21 yrs old, this means YOU as well, drop the xbox controller and actually get involved to get democrats elected at local and state levels, run for office. Make a difference.

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Feel the palpable nuances of a powerful and controlled message

I'm nitpicking here, but catch this phrase: "absolutely contrary to any message we want to send the rest of the world.”

It takes strong poise, self-awareness, and practice to say that instead of: '... any message we want to send to the rest of the world.'

Efficiency of language is an extreme measure of a good mind and self-control. This is why Joe Biden is surging ahead.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. Biden was not my first choice, but now that we are here, he is the adult in the room...

and I thank the gods we have him.

[samnsara]

7. i agree..

[yardwork]

22. My feelings exactly!

[Pacifist Patriot]

35. That's my position as well.

[Kitchari]

6. I supported Bernie in 2016, but now his time is past.

From the article:

Sanders has had an amazing run over the past few years, seeming at times to approach dominance of a party he doesn’t even belong to. But it’s over.

[onetexan]

14. BS is yet another flash in the pan of "novel" ideas that are nice-to-haves but in reality are not

practical. It's time Bernie. Go home, get some rest, and help us win back our nation.

[marble falls]

44. I did, too. And his time is past.

[Cha]

8. "The eleventh and last Democratic presidential debate started badly for Bernie Sanders and went..

downhill from there".

Finally some reality news about the debate.. TY!

Awesome article by Jon Keller!

[NurseJackie]

9. LOL! I figured as much! I knew that's how it would work out...

It was a mistake for the Sanders campaign to insist on standing at podiums instead of sitting at a table. That gave Biden a visible height edge, enhanced by his superior posture, that wasn’t so visible in previous debates.

LOL! I figured as much! I knew that's how it would work out. And the LIES LIES LIES coming from his campaign staff and other top-level surrogates about Biden "needing to sit" and Biden "having dementia" and Biden "sundowning" are now coming back to bite the BS campaign in their ass.

Good posture is important. Not leaning is on the podium is also important. One suggests confidence and good health, energy and stamina... the other doesn't.

[PatSeg]

37. And the overall impression

a viewer got was Joe looked poised and presidential in contrast to a cranky Bernie with his excessive gesticulating. I think someone must have advised Sanders to reign in his hand gestures, as he frequently stood there with his hands behind his back and he toned down the hand flailing somewhat. When he started talking, however, he couldn't help himself and the hands started flying. This might work in a rally, but on television, in a one-on-one setting it is very distracting.

When Bernie was talking, I loved how Biden put his left hand in his pocket and turned to face Bernie very calmly and statesman like.

[NurseJackie]

39. Agreed! He's a gentleman. Very statesmanlike indeed!

America needs a leader with those qualities. Joe Biden is the one candidate with the temperament, demeanor and integrity that our nation needs.

I'm very much looking forward to having Joe as our next president.

PS: I'll bet you a dollar that Joe knows... a gentleman always carries a handkerchief.



Joe/Kamala or Biden/Harris 2020!!
Jump on the Biden Bandwagon & abandon the revolution!!

[PatSeg]

40. Oh yes, very much a gentleman

who also is down-to-earth. He can talk to foreign leaders, as well as relate one on one with average people. November can't come fast enough!

[NBachers]

48. When Biden stood there, hand in pocket, impeccably tailored suit, facing Bernie, he was a perfect

image of poise, alertness; calmly and politely in control. Giving Bernie his due consideration, while remaining in charge.

I loved it when he talked about knowing the world leaders, and being able to communicate with them. Contrast the image of Biden fitting in and being warmly received at world conferences, against trump's shoving, swaggering, preening braggadocio or rejected isolation. And Dr. Jill Biden will fit in way better than the daughter / wife / handbag plagiarist.

[PatSeg]

56. Yes

I think the world saw a president on that stage. This was the Joe Biden I hoped would show up. He exceeded my expectations and I have a very high regard for him.

And I agree about Jill. What a great First Lady she would be!

[Pacifist Patriot]

38. I noticed the posture difference right out of the gate. As well as...

Biden was in a tailored navy suit with contrasting red tie and appears to have had a recent hair cut.

Sanders was in a poorly fitted drab suit with minimal contrast.

As shallow as this is, and I know it is incredibly shallow, Biden just looked presidential last night. In my humble opinion, Sanders did not. Should this be important? Not really. Is it to many people? Indeed. Leadership inspires confidence in many ways, and physical appearance is one of them whether we like it or not. Which is another reason why the appeal of Trump and BoJo has baffled me.

[NurseJackie]

41. Oh no, it's not shallow. We're choosing someone to lead our nation (and the world)...

Oh no, it's not shallow. We're choosing someone to lead our nation (and the world)... someone who will make our nation proud, not embarrassed with poor grooming... or ill-fitting wash and wear department-store blazers.

I expect our next president to represent our nation with dignity. I expect our next president to always carry a handkerchief. I expect our next president to command attention and admiration when he walks into a room... not scorn or pity or worry or ridicule. Oh what a change it will be.

Leadership inspires confidence in many ways, and physical appearance is one of them whether we like it or not.

You are so right. Personal pride in one's own appearance is also a sign of respect... respect for the office, respect for others at an event or gathering, respect for tradition.

Our nation would not be served well by having a president who refuses to wear a tuxedo because it's is an oppressive symbol of the elite. Ridiculous!

[Hav]

42. I always had a bad posture so I'm more conscious about it and saw that immediately

but I imagine it's hard not to notice such a stark contrast. I'm way younger than Biden and wished I ever had his posture at any point in my life past childhood. I don't ridicule BS for his posture but they were the ones insisting on a standing debate for some strange reason, maybe buying the moronic claims themselves. They thought this would give them an advantage.
And now all I can think about is that I don't want to look like an ostrich when I'm old.

[PatSeg]

45. I agree

The optics definitely favored Biden last night. Though it might seem shallow, Biden appeared and sounded more presidential, probably because he is more presidential. His calm, poised demeanor is very reassuring right now when people really need that kind of leadership.

I'll never understand the appeal of Trump either.

[sweetloukillbot]

55. The split screen of Biden speaking and Sanders making faces

Did no favors either. Reminded me of Kennedy/Nixon.

[NurseJackie]

58. The complete SILENCE during Bernie's usual "whoop-whoop" applause lines was amusing.

I think one of the BIGGEST improvements was having NO studio audience.

[PatSeg]

62. A huge improvement

They should consider more debates without an audience in the future. Makes it less of a show.

[sweetloukillbot]

63. He really seemed to be waiting for it and got completely thrown

I wonder if perception would've been different had the debate been held in Phx before an audience like originally planned.

[PatSeg]

61. Yes

With just the two of them and no distracting audience, the contrast was startling. If someone was to watch the debate without sound, Biden would still win.

[betsuni]

10. K&R

[BeyondGeography]

11. The split screen was murder on Bernie because he is so used to interrupting people

Multiple times he would wince while Biden was speaking and open his mouth but no sound would come out. It looked like the left side of his brain was telling him, no, Bernie, can’t interrupt, while the right said, but I want to. He consistently looked like a disagreeable crank, while Biden, the more pleasant adult, would either just smile or put his head down.

And yes, the standing was a visual disaster as well. Not that sitting would have been much better for Bernie, who is hunched over no matter how you position him.

[DownriverDem]

25. How

can you still be undecided?

[BeyondGeography]

28. Lol

Because I’m sentimental. I’m going to write-in Warren’s name whenever NY has its primary (it could be delayed). I supported her for over a year and I should have the opportunity to do that. If Biden needed my vote in NY, which he won’t, he would get it.

[Demsrule86]

51. I understand that... it doesn't matter. Warren was a great candidate.

[BeyondGeography]

60. Cheers, Demsrule

Joe was really on his game. It was a great night for all Democrats and for anyone who cares about ending this national nightmare.

[Demsrule86]

65. Yes it was and thanks to you my favorite Warren supporter...vote for your candidate!

[NurseJackie]

43. It's not laziness... it's clearly osteoporosis. Not his fault, but...

It's not laziness... it's clearly osteoporosis. Not his fault, but his poor posture is a clear reminder of his age, and a reminder that he's been in poor health. There are many articles online about posture and health, and how poor posture is a sign of poor health and how it can lead to other problems as well.

Don't believe me, just do a google search for "posture and health" and look for articles from reputable sources... avoid the ones trying to sell supplements, but stick with the gov't sites, edu sites, webmd and the like. Posture and aging, and posture and pain are also interesting search criteria.

[djacq]

13. Grateful that it's the Last.

I know that space should be given to Senator Sanders of when he decides to end his campaign but

after Super Tuesday Part III...

[grantcart]

15. 48 hours and we will have a presumptive nominee

[DENVERPOPS]

32. And my question is:

What then will Bernie do.........

I think there are alot of people watching how Bernie and his groupies respond to Biden Winning.
For instance, how long they drag their feet before getting 100% behind Biden........
Or if they play a game of "we will show you and go home and not vote in the election to protest, AKA "sour grapes"

[grantcart]

36. Raise money so he can end this cycle with 20+ million

So he can primary Democrats

[marble falls]

46. Stay in the Senate and work with President Biden. Make a very clear message to his ...

supporters to cut the shit, support Biden and do not sit out or protest vote.

[gab13by13]

16. Posts like this do nothing to unite our party.

David Axelrod said it best after the debate. Bernie was in effect, giving his concession speech. He only wanted Joe to concede that he would fight for Bernie's agenda, in general. Joe did a good job until the Green New Deal, Joe didn't understand what Bernie was asking for, he blew it. That was a general description of how Axelrod saw the debate. Bernie was reaching out to Joe to not forget the passion of the young voters by not rejecting Bernie's ideals. Moment lost for Joe.

[LiberalFighter]

18. Really?

[gab13by13]

23. Axelrod is a smart man,

your really should be addressed to him, although I agree with Axelrod's assessment. Bernie was trying to tell Joe that the Democratic party needed a big turn out to beat Trump, Bernie was trying to tell Joe that Trump will win again if younger voters stay home.

[marble falls]

47. If that was what Bernie was saying, I applaud him. But that's not what I heard ...

I supported him in '16 and I was extremely shocked at his tepid his support of Hillary Clinton was in the general.

[Demsrule86]

66. Well, Bernie has failed to turn out younger voters. So what exactly can he do at this point...oh I

know...concede and endorse.

[Hav]

29. I wish I could see it similarly when it comes to BS' intentions

Biden just recently adopted a plan for affordable/limited free public college and university and credited Bernie for the idea. He also stressed that BS has good ideas. That free tuition proposal is reaching out to both BS and the young voters. BS in his reply didn't see the positive that something he pretends to care about will definitely be a part of the Dem platform, whoever is the nominee. He rambled on and for long, he couldn't give Biden any credit and when he finally did, it was rather sarcastic.
On another instance of Biden reaching out to BS, Biden asked BS to join him in the fight for public financing to take away the influence of big money. Again, that is a topic BS pretends he cares about. But his reply was no, he won't join Biden, Biden should join him instead without even mentioning for what. So don't say Biden blew it when he tried what you wanted repeatedly.

BS didn't want to find common ground and reach common goals with Biden. The reverse was true. Whenever Biden came over to BS' position, BS rejected that. Bernie is only about Bernie. It should be clear by now that BS has no interest in working together with others for the good of the country. If you want to see how someone acts who honestly cares more about the issues than her own ambitions, look at Warren or pretty much all the other real Dems in the race.

[DENVERPOPS]

33. agree Hav

To many times has Bernie acted or talked like Trump.

[eilen]

59. When he told Biden he didn't go far enough

even I said "Eff off Bernie" out loud.

[DownriverDem]

30. This is not about Bernie

It's about the American people.

[Demsrule86]

52. Why should Biden adopt unpopular policies that are just talking points really...like the Green New

Deal and M4A? These are not real plans...we need to begin working for a climate solution and healthcare but these 'plans' were concession in Congress to AOC during the speakership battle that never had a chance to pass. Let's work on real policy. And for whatever reason Axelrod has been predicting Biden's failure the entire primary...and never has a good word to say.

[LiberalFighter]

17. Sanders was rope a doped.

[zackymilly]

31. Down goes Bernie! Down goes Bernie! n/t

[McKim]

20. Biden and the Smirk

I promise to vote blue no matter who. However, I did not like the smirking by Biden. His superior air and condescending body language and calling Senator Sanders “Bernie” made him look arrogant. He behaved as a winner who was annoyed that anyone would dare run against him. This is a turn off to women, we are so used to it!

I thought Biden did a credible job. I will vote for him in the general election if he wins the next primaries. I am glad that Sander’s platform was taken up by Biden. It is so important that Sanders’ ideas be realized. When 40% of kids in public schools are on free lunch, that tells you that something is very wrong. If Biden could address the systemic poverty and all its ills, then great!

[ehrnst]

24. "He behaved as a winner who was annoyed that anyone would dare run against him."

That could describe Sanders since the primaries started....

This is a turn off to women, we are so used to it!

Yep, it sure is, no matter who is behaving that way.

[Towlie]

27. It's not "arrogant" to call Bernie what he calls himself.

I mean, look at the campaign posters!

[Demsrule86]

53. Sanders called him Joe...and after the 9th or 10th time 'Joe' followed suit.

As for the smile, I found it charming...sure beat Sanders dour expression...get off my lawn, Joe! kind of debate.

[redstatebluegirl]

26. Yes he did from what little I have seen. Bernie was back to his same old same old over and over.

[bucolic_frolic]

34. Biden's debating was brilliant, from what I saw

Didn't watch a lot of it. But seemed to me that by delivering rapid-fire facts, Biden blunted any impact Sanders tried to make, and deflected any attempt to magnify any one point as a turning point. Biden is appearing smarter than I previously thought. Of course he has the most seasoned staff and support who prep for these things, but still the candidate makes the final delivery. Biden just made Bernie numb.

[Demsrule86]

57. I thought so too...and I knew he was smart...My son has a stammer...I understand how it works.

And Biden almost certainly has ADHD which I have where you begin a thought and then your brain moves on and you start talking about something else...I have to watch that constantly...I am smart and graduated with a 3.9 in college. It is not about intelligence. I have come to believe it is just a different brain chemistry...it has its good points and bad points...mostly good though as you age.

[dalton99a]

49. Kick

Biden promised to name a female running mate and appoint the first black female Supreme Court justice. Sanders hedged on both counts.

And Sanders had no reply when Biden noted “the energy and excitement that’s taken place so far has been for me…and I didn’t even have the money to compete with this man….”

Sanders has had an amazing run over the past few years, seeming at times to approach dominance of a party he doesn’t even belong to. But it’s over.

[Texin]

50. Bernie came off as a two-note candidate.

Basically, for two hours Bernie just repeated the same two things, i.e., Medicare for All and "average citizens in this country are being hosed by the rich." The latter being the truth, and certainly (both) relevant to what's happening in this country right now, or at least part of the discussion, but he had no cogent response to what he would do in this crisis at this time. Biden stated a handful of ideas that could be quickly marshalled by the US government and the ancillary departments to create hospital beds and get the gears greased to begin producing/corralling respirators, along with setting up drive-in testing centers throughout the country at no expense to the individuals availing themselves to it.

And was it just me, or did it appear toward the middle of the debate Bernie seemed to be deflating in his mannerisms and responses? He seemed to physically begin shrinking and shoulder-hunching forward more than usual.

[onetexan]

54. the standing behind podiums and side-by-side closeups didn't help Bernie at all. He looked feeble &

ragged compared to Joe demeanor and stature, as if he was going to keel over any minute. As the debate progressed and he couldn't make any inroads with his jabs he appeared increasingly flustered and frustrated. Bernie does not inspire confidence, esp'ly in this desperate state when its obvious to everyone he needs to pack it in.

[NCProgressive]

64. Towards the end I started feeling sorry for Bernie for bringing the debate on himself

[Demsrule86]

67. I felt sorry for him too. He should have conceded last Tuesday...this was humiliating for him IMHO.

[peggysue2]

68. Standing at the podium definitely benefitted Biden

It dispelled this nonsense that Biden was 'too' weak and infirmed to stand for the entire debate, that he wanted to sit to compensate for his lack of stamina. Not only did Joe Biden stand, he looked vigorous throughout the debate session. In addition, those side angle shots while the debate proceeded favored Biden's posture and profile. Biden standing with one hand in his pocket gave the appearance of confidence and perfect calm. Another thing (though this may sound petty), Joe Biden was perfectly tailored last night. In fact, the tailoring reminded me a lot of President Obama whose garments were always perfect, professional. The suit played off Joe Biden's slim, healthy physique.

All in all, the optics played to Biden's advantage. Sanders? Not so much. So this wail about keeping the standing format was another example of the Sanders' campaign shooting itself in the foot.

AGO4JOE2020

[Tarheel_Dem]

69. K&R