Democrat debate: Elizabeth Warren under fire in Ohio
New frontrunner faced criticism over funding plans for healthcare
![gettyimages-1181332868.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UwyAx7sQe5GDR8H2UoffQ-415-80.jpg)
Democratic frontrunner Elizabeth Warren faced intense scrutiny from her rivals for the party ticket at last night’s heated debate.
The Massachusetts senator arrived at the debate in Westerville, Ohio, effectively tied with former vice president Joe Biden in first place in recent national polls.
Proceedings opened with a show of unity over the impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump. However, the gloves were soon off, in what CNN describes as a “pile-on”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana, rounded on Warren over her perceived evasiveness as to whether she would raise taxes on the middle-classes to fund her healthcare plans.
“We heard it tonight: a yes or no question that did not get a yes or no answer,” he said. “Your signature, senator, is to have a plan for everything, except for this.”
Amy Klobuchar, a moderate, joined the fray, telling Warren: “The difference between a plan and a pipe dream is something you can actually get done.”
There was also a heated clash between Warren and her fellow frontrunner Joe Biden. As Warren boasted about her role in the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Biden interjected: “I went on the floor and got you votes! I got votes for that bill, I convinced people to vote for it. Let’s get that straight.”
Warren shot back: “I am deeply grateful to President Obama who fought so hard to make sure that agency was passed into law.” The Guardian says the audience “gasped and Biden chuckled, as if to acknowledge the slight”.
USA Today said the “personal attacks” came despite “calls for civility” ahead of the debate.
There was a more unified moment when Bernie Sanders, 78, the oldest candidate in the field, thanked his rivals for their well wishes as he recovered from suffering a heart attack two weeks ago. “I’m healthy, I’m feeling great,” he said.
There were a dozen candidates on stage – the largest ever number to debate on the same stage – at Otterbein University last night. Analysis suggest that eight will qualify for the next debate, in Georgia. The party nominee to take on Donald Trump will be confirmed in July next year.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Magazine solutions - August 2, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - August 2, 2024
By The Week Staff Published
-
Magazine printables - August 2, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - August 2, 2024
By The Week Staff Published
-
'In a normal country, their activities wouldn't even be crimes'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The US presidents who decided not to run for a second term
The Explainer Joe Biden's decision to end his re-election campaign was shocking, but there's a long history of presidents who've bowed out on a chance at four more years
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Democrats now have a chance to present a vigorous, compelling case'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?
In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
How Black organizations quickly pivoted and mobilized for Kamala Harris
In the spotlight Harris has a shot at being the first Black woman to lead the Democratic ticket
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
'Spare us the charade'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Harris clinches Democratic support, raises $81M
Speed Read President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed her as his replacement
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The convention speakers whose political stars rose
The Explainer Why you're likely to see the future leaders of the Democratic and Republican Parties at the conventions
By David Faris Published
-
How Biden's enablers may have delayed his bowing out
Talking Points Joe Biden's inner circle faces calls for a reckoning for allegedly shielding the president — and the public — from questions of aging and electoral viability
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published