Recent Debate Among Democrats Following Narrowing Gap Between Main Rivals

In the latest debate among the Democratic primary candidates for the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Hillary Clinton spoke of her "experiences" as a criterion for her selection, while her main rival, Bernie Sanders, pointed to the Iraq War, stating, "Experience is important, but sound judgment is also important." The fifth debate was held on January 25 by CNN at Brooklyn College. Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, Bernie Sanders, Senator, and Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland, were the three main Democratic candidates present. Next week, the internal party election season will begin with voting in Iowa. Hillary Clinton stated that a president must be "a fighter whose work has been proven." She referred to her work experiences, including her tough stance on Tehran and extremism in the Middle East, as factors that make her a suitable candidate for the presidency. Sanders mentioned Clinton's affirmative vote for the Iraq invasion in 2002, describing it as a fundamental mistake that has left significant consequences for contemporary foreign policy. He said, "Experience is important, but sound judgment is also important." Clinton reiterated that her vote for the Iraq invasion in the Senate was a mistake. She also stated that her selection by Barack Obama as Secretary of State during his first presidential term shows that he "trusted my sound judgment and we worked shoulder to shoulder for those four years." Sanders claimed that his views are not radical. He once again emphasized his support for the "middle class," saying, "Yes... people want to believe in me. Very well. I will continue to fight against the greed of Wall Street and the avarice of large American corporations and fight to protect the middle class." Hillary Clinton also stated that she has been "at the forefront of changes and advancements" in American society since her youth. Reuters reported that Clinton appeared "more lively" than usual in the January 25 debate, while Sanders made the audience laugh with his jokes. Overall, compared to the more tense debate the previous week, the recent debate was held in a calmer atmosphere. Recent polls indicate that despite Clinton's lead, Sanders has narrowed the gap with her.