Dems Make Final Arguments Before Iowa Caucuses

Democrats have made their final arguments before next month's Iowa caucuses. During the latest Democratic presidential debate in Des Moines last night, former VP Joe Biden said this campaign is about character and the "soul of America."

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar [[KLO-buh-shar]] argued that the U.S. needs a change after the "noise and nonsense" of the Trump years. And not surprisingly, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders denied telling Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren that a woman cannot win the presidential election.

Warren? She opted not to argue the point. “Bernie is my friend,” she offered. “And I am not here to try to fight with Bernie.” Here’s a look at what else when down:

As for the idea about women winning, Warren said – "Look at the men on this stage; collectively, they have lost 10 elections." Adding that she and Klobuchar have both won every one of theirs.

President Trump's trade policies were roundly swiped.

The candidates tangled over healthcare and how they would pay for their proposals, especially Medicare-for-All.

There was also broad agreement on the need to take aggressive steps to curb climate change.

As for foreign policy, the hopefuls all said they could handle the Iran crisis better than Trump has. Sanders insisted that conflicts should be settled at the negotiating table, not through military action.

Biden said he'll put his foreign policy experience up against any other candidates. Warren argued that it's time to pull U.S. troops out of the volatile Middle East.

Former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg [[ BOOT-edge-edge ]] said a president must get congressional authorization before going to war.

As for who “won” last night’s contest, that depends whom you ask. According to CNN’s Chris Cillizza, Mayor Buttigieg hit his stride as a great debater. Warren and Klobuchar are credited with making themselves viable alternatives to the believed “leaders.” Warren is praised for pushing back on the notion that she’s “too liberal;” and Klobuchar, for showing she can hang with the tough crowd.

Who got the most speaking time? In order from most to least, they are: Warren, Sanders, Klobuchar, Buttigieg, Biden and Tom Steyer.

Source: CNN

Photo Credit: Getty Images