As the only African American on the stage, Senator Kamala Harris took aim at old Joe's rationale for working with the Old South's segregationists and his stern opposition to bussing as a remedy to segregation. He could not have known that one of the dark skinned children who benefited from bussing was Kamala Harris. Harris took him down softly but he is unlikely to regain his unbeatable status.
The rest of the field offered interesting insights and solid rationales for their candidacies but none made a move that will register in next week's polls. Bernie was Bernie and I love him for it but he has not evolved and others have caught up to him.
Marianne Williamson is unlikely to sustain her place among legitimate candidates but we should be grateful for her insight into how the Democrats will beat Donald Trump. Essentially, Trump operates out of fear and his opposition must counter with love. It is an oversimplification but there is fundamental truth in it. The Republicans have long been perceived as the Daddy party and the Democrats are the Mommy party. Poor old dad has been doing a bum job lately. It's time to give mom a try.
Mayor Pete distinguished himself once again for his sharp mind and speaking ability. His response to criticism regarding the racial makeup of his police department was however inadequate. He said simply: "I didn't get the job done." The mayor needs to take care of business in his own back yard before he moves on to the highest office in the land.
Andrew Yang demonstrated he is a man of substance. He deserves a place in the next government and his ideas warrant serious consideration. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand staked ground as the candidate representing women's issues. She was forceful, knowledgeable and well spoken. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has assumed the role of attacking Bernie for not cowering when confronted with the dreaded "S" word. It may do a little damage to Bernie but it will not carry Hickenlooper to the next tier. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet appeared to be a nice man and a solid Democrat who simply does not have the charisma to advance to the White House. Representative Eric Swalwell laid claim to represent the next generation, goading old Joe to hand over the torch but he pushed too hard like a rambunctious teenager. His issue of gun control will stick but he must wait for a better opportunity to advance.
In the end the only candidate to significantly advance her cause is the junior senator from the state of California. She has learned on the trail. She connects. She has proven to be a determined opponent and Joe Biden felt the sting of her jab. She broke through the cacophony of white noise while the others drifted.
Kamala rises. Now she must sustain her momentum.
Jazz.
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