Clinton, Sanders had the most speaking time, personal attacks during debate


This year's first Democratic debate Tuesday night featured Hillary Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee. Clinton and Sanders were the clear stars.
ABC News put together a numerical breakdown of the event, and Clinton had the most attacks against her (11) and most time to speak (28 minutes, 10 seconds). Sanders came in second on both fronts, with eight attacks and 26 minutes, 19 seconds of speaking time. Chafee and Webb were nonentities when it came to attacks, and O'Malley only had one, which came from Sanders. Chafee and Webb had less speaking time combined than Clinton, with Chafee clocking in at 9 minutes, 50 seconds and Webb at 14 minutes, 37 seconds. O'Malley had an even 15 minutes.
Republican frontrunner Donald Trump was acknowledged twice (and referred to as a "carnival barker" by O'Malley), while the name Joe Biden wasn't uttered even once. Gun control was mentioned 40 times, Russia and Syria 36 times, and immigration 15 times. There was also one handshake, between Clinton and Sanders, after Sanders announced that the American public was tired of hearing about Clinton's "damn emails."
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.
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
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Ukraine peace deal: what precedent would land concessions set
Today's Big Question Kyiv has rejected US plans for peace, which would reportedly include US recognition of Crimea as Russian territory
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
Desert wellness in Scottsdale: the best of Arizona's Old West
The Week Recommends Boost body, mind and soul in this hub of healthy living
By Kari Wilkin, The Week UK
-
At home with the Clooneys: is arguing with your partner healthy?
The actor and his wife claim to have never argued during their 10-year marriage
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK
-
A dozen states sue Trump to halt tariffs
Speed Read The states sued in the US Court of International Trade, seeking to stop tariffs they say will damage their economies
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Trump blames Zelenskyy for peace deal setbacks
Speed Read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the US proposal, which includes Russia's takeover of Crimea
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Musk vows DOGE pullback as Tesla profits plunge
Speed Read The Tesla SEO says he will soon step back from government matters to devote more time to the company
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
IMF sees slump from tariffs, Trump tries to calm markets
Speed Read The International Monetary Fund predicts the U.S. and global economies will slow significantly due to the president's trade war
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
DHS chief Kristi Noem's purse stolen from eatery
Speed Read Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purse was stolen while she dined with family at a restaurant in Washington, D.C.
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Trump stands by Hegseth amid ouster reports
Speed Read The president dismissed reports that he was on the verge of firing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over a second national security breach
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Hegseth reportedly shared war plans in 2nd group text
Speed Read The defense secretary sent information about an attack in Yemen to a Signal group chat that included his wife and brother
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Judge threatens Trump team with criminal contempt
Speed Read James Boasberg attempts to hold the White House accountable for disregarding court orders over El Salvador deportation flights
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US