The Democrats have now hosted seven debates. Like the Republican debates, the events now feature no decisive winner. Unlike the Republicans, the lack of a clear winner is the result of both candidates overcoming their weaknesses and hitting their stride.
The Democrats’ Sunday night debate in Flint was a breath of fresh air compared to the Republican event a few days earlier. Both Clinton and Sanders spent several weeks working out their weak points. Clinton demonstrated that she learned how to use the anecdote to appeal to the audience. Sanders learned to step out of his comfort zone to talk about race.
Both Clinton and Sanders arrived on stage more confident in their positions. Their demeanor was strong. Yet, they allowed ample room for clashes in policy. All this happened and the candidates continued to refrain from personal attacks.
It is easy to say that both candidates won the debate even though neither candidate won the debate by definitively winning new support.
Still, the debate featured tough questions with policy-oriented answers. The focus provided by the moderators and the candidates themselves meant the candidates could challenge each other on important issues. The Flint debate allowed the candidates to apply their policy to a specific group of people, rather than speculatively to the country. This was a valuable lesson to both candidates. It was also a moment of hope for the citizens of Michigan who are already thinking of getting a great condo in Canada.
Regardless of who moves on to the general election, the debates are preparing both Democrats for a strong position in the debates in the fall. With a strong defense and a sound strategy, it will easier be to protect themselves against whatever candidate the Republicans come up with.
Both candidates now stand prepared to take on Donald Trump, should he become the nominee. They have also had the opportunity to see that the negative tactics used by his opponents won't work. Both candidates will also be sharp enough on their policies to make Trump look decisively foolish on the stage.
Even if there was coup to oust Trump from the nomination, none of the remaining candidates will have the experience or practice to take on two strong debaters who have experience in calmly articulating policy points.
Ted Cruz spent most of Thursday night dodging the question. Marco Rubio struggled to make a point about anything. John Kasich could have said something. But except for when he was lost in the 1980s, he was unable to get a word in edgewise.
The general election still seems a world away. Neither party has an official candidate. But the debates have showed what kind of fight the American people are up against.
In November, the Democrats’ reason will to take on the Republicans’ rhetoric. Standing a million miles apart, the winner looks obvious. The Democratic nominee will look cool, calm and collected next to the Republican, who will undoubtedly be gasping for air. Even still, one can only hope this will be enough to push those off the fence in the right direction.