ABC released its Democratic debate podium chart: Yang rises, Warren's to Biden's left, Sanders to his right
The next Democratic presidential debate will be one night only, Sept. 12, with 10 Democrats making the cut. Fans of Marianne Williamson, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Sen. Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, and some of the other still-running Democrats who didn't qualify for the debate will no doubt be disappointed, as will New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and billionaire Tom Steyer. Wayne Messam, mayor of Miramar, Florida, also did not meet the necessary fundraising or polling thresholds.
But the Yang Gang should be pleased with the podium chart unveiled by ABC News on Thursday: Andrew Yang is closer to the center than two sitting senators — Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) and Cory Booker (N.J.) — former Rep. Beto O'Rourke (Texas), and a former Cabinet secretary, Julián Castro. Former Vice President Joe Biden is officially center-stage, polling highest in most surveys, but he will effectively share the center with the official No. 2 in the race, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), because math.
Warren, a progressive champion, will be to the more moderate Biden's left — but don't read anything into that, because Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a proud democratic socialist, has been situated to Biden's right.
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.
But as ABC News notes, the bigger drama should be the new combinations of candidates who can spar onstage, notably Biden vs. Warren.
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
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Putin's sham election
Opinion Protest votes show Russian dissent still simmers
By Susan Caskie Published
-
6 inviting homes with rental units
Feature Featuring a restored Victorian home in Illinois and ocean-view windows in Nova Scotia
By The Week Staff Published
-
Keith O'Brien's 6 must-read books about significant moments in sports history
Feature The best-selling author recommends works by Laura Hillenbrand, Jonathan Eig and more
By The Week US Published
-
New Jersey first lady exits race to replace Menendez
Speed Read Tammy Murphy dropping out paves the way for Rep. Andy Kim to become the state's next senator
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Russia blames Ukraine for deadly ISIS Moscow attack
Speed Read Putin has ignored the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the concert hall shooting
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump-RNC pact puts Trump legal bills ahead of GOP
Speed Read The former president has struck a deal with the Republican National Committee to put donations toward his legal bills
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Vietnam president resigns amid scandal
Speed Read Vietnam loses its second president in two years as Vo Van Thuong steps down
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Texas migrant law in limbo after Supreme Court OK
Speed Read The law has been blocked again, mere hours after the Supreme Court allowed the state to arrest migrants
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Cubans rally for 'power and food' in rare protests
Speed Read The protests came after 18-hour rolling blackouts and food supply shortages
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Why Trump cannot raise bond to avert asset seizure
speed read If the former president does not post the $454M bond in his civil fraud case by Monday, his assets can be seized
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Putin's preordained win marred by protests
speed read Voters participated in a silent protest — endorsed by late opposition leader Alexei Navalny — against the president
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published