Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Face Off In First Debate; Health Policies Drew Little Attention
Candidates briefly touched on issues such as the high costs of prescription drugs, but little mention was given to the 2010 health law.
The Washington Post:
Clinton, Sanders Dominate Democrats’ First Go On The Debate Stage
The Democrats’ differences were focused largely on issues and policies, though there was far more engagement than some had predicted. The debate included discussions about climate change and renewable energy, college affordability, prescription drugs, terrorism and civil liberties, and the most serious threats to U.S. security in a world awash in conflicts. (Balz and Gearan, 10/13)
The Wall Street Journal:
Hillary Clinton Confronts Critics At First Democratic Debate
The Democrats’ first matchup proved to nearly be as rough-and-tumble as the previous Republican debates, though the candidates also found several areas of agreement. ... Each candidate had a chance to cite interest groups they had taken on when asked which enemies they are most proud of. Mrs. Clinton narrowed her list to health-insurance companies, drug companies, the Iranians and “probably the Republicans.” Mr. Sanders mentioned Wall Street and pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Webb mentioned an enemy soldier who wounded him but added with a smile that he was no longer around. (McCain Nelson, Meckler and Nicholas, 10/14)
The Huffington Post:
What Democrats Said About Obamacare During The Debate (Not Much)
President Barack Obama's landmark health care reform law -- one of the most contentious political issues of the past six years -- received all but no attention during the Democratic debate Tuesday tonight. But considering that all five Democrats on the stage were supporters of the Affordable Care Act, perhaps it's not surprising that CNN opted to raise issues more likely to provoke confrontation. (Young, 10/14)
The Huffington Post:
Hillary Clinton Was The Debate's First -- And Last -- Candidate To Bring Up Planned Parenthood
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was the only presidential candidate to utter the name of Planned Parenthood, the reproductive health provider that has faced unprecedented attacks on its funding this year, during the Democrats' first primary debate of the election Tuesday. (Lachman, 10/13)
