Bernie Sanders has the most to gain at the first debate. Here's how he could win it.

The pressure is on for Bernie Sanders. While the first Democratic presidential debate presents the socialist senator from Vermont with an opportunity to ride a tide of grassroots support into the mainstream, his success hinges on whether he can make a good first impression, Politico reports. And if he fails to do so, his now-surging campaign could face the consequences:
"This is an opportunity for him to introduce himself to a much broader part of the country, so it's important for him to explain where he comes from, who he is," explained top Sanders strategist Tad Devine, adding that the senator had prepared to discuss areas where he disagrees with Clinton, from Syria to college affordability.Yet it's precisely because of his chance to introduce himself that Sanders has little room for error: he can't afford to make a bad first impression on a wide swath of Democratic voters in the states beyond his own Vermont and New Hampshire, where he leads Clinton. [Politico]
Sanders will have to go toe-to-toe with Clinton on policy and defend his plans "without appearing angry, all the while avoiding the trap of playing defense all night," Politico adds. "Since most voters don't know Sanders, his campaign figures, he can't let himself get defined on stage as simply the anti-Clinton."
If Sanders emerges victorious tonight, successfully imprinting a friendly, lasting impression on the American public, his unexpected gains on Clinton in the polls could continue to creep up. But if he doesn't, his reputation as nothing more than a "fad" could be solidified. Bernie only has one chance.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

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.
Read the full story at Politico.
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
-
Today's political cartoons - March 30, 2025
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - strawberry fields forever, secret files, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 hilariously sparse cartoons about further DOGE cuts
Cartoons Artists take on free audits, report cards, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Following the Tea Horse Road in China
The Week Recommends This network of roads and trails served as vital trading routes
By The Week UK Published
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
By The Week Staff Published
-
Supreme Court upholds 'ghost gun' restrictions
Speed Read Ghost guns can be regulated like other firearms
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump sets 25% tariffs on auto imports
Speed Read The White House says the move will increase domestic manufacturing. But the steep import taxes could also harm the US auto industry.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump allies urge White House to admit chat blunder
Speed Read Even pro-Trump figures are criticizing The White House's handling of the Signal scandal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Waltz takes blame for texts amid calls for Hegseth ouster
Speed Read Democrats are calling for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and national security adviser Michael Waltz to step down
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Judge: Nazis treated better than Trump deportees
speed read U.S. District Judge James Boasberg reaffirmed his order barring President Donald Trump from deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US officials share war plans with journalist in group chat
Speed Read Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal conversation about striking Yemen
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Canada's Mark Carney calls snap election
speed read Voters will go to the polls on April 28 to pick a new government
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published