Live Blog: Florida Democratic Debate
Posted: March 9, 2016 Filed under: U.S. Politics | Tags: 2016 Democratic primaries, Florida Democratic debate, live blog 76 Comments
Hey Sky Dancers!
Even that exclamation point makes me tired. I must admit that I’m getting fed up with the constant debates and town halls this primary season. I think the DNC was wise to try to limit them. Both Hillary and Bernie need to make some changes to their stump speeches, because we’ve all heard them so many times at this point that it’s getting boring.
Nevertheless, I’ll be watching tonight to see how each of the candidates deals with the results of yesterday’s primaries. Someone needs to remind the country that not just Michigan voted yesterday–Mississippi voted too and the results of that one were more consequential in terms of delegates than the one the media is hyping today.
Tonight’s debate is at Miami-Dade College, and it will begin at 9PM ET. It is sponsored by Univision and the Washington Post and it will be simulcast on CNN. It will also be live streamed at The Washington Post. The moderators will be Karen Tumulty of The Washington Post and Maria Elena Salinas and Jorge Ramos of Univision.
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders at the Flint debate
The Fix: How to watch the Washington Post-Univision Democratic presidential debate.
What (to watch for): Immigration almost certainly will be a major topic of discussion, given the setting and Univision’s involvement. Univision announced in February that it would launch a voter registration drive aimed at growing the Latino electorate by 3 million people. Look for the moderators to ask Sanders, who lags far behind Clinton in the delegate count, about his path forward. But if Sanders senses dismissiveness, look for him to push back hard. Univision chairman Haim Saban has contributed $2.5 million toPriorities USA Action, a super PAC backing Clinton. Ramos’s daughter, Paola Ramos, works for the Clinton campaign’s communications team. And in January, Sanders memorably unloaded on The Washington Post editorial board for criticizing his “fiction-filled campaign.” The dynamics among the candidates and sponsoring media outlets could provide intriguing subplots.
Some info on the moderators from IBT:
Univision’s María Elena Salinas. Salinas is a co-host of “Noticiero Univision” and the prime-time show “Here and Now.” She has covered presidential elections for three decades, and in the race to the 2008 presidency, she interviewed Hillary Clinton, Republican nominee John McCain and then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. Along with Salinas, Univision’s Jorge Ramos is also scheduled to moderate. Ramos is the host of Univision’s “Noticiero Univision” and “Al Punto,” as well as Fusion’s “AMERICA with Jorge Ramos.”
The Washington Post’s Karen Tumulty is also expected to moderate Wednesday night’s debate alongside Ramos and Salinas. Tumulty is a national political correspondent who previously worked for TIME Magazine, where she held positions as a congressional correspondent and White House correspondent, and the Los Angeles Times.
A few stories to get you warmed up for the watch party.
Joshua Tucker at the WaPo: No, actually Hillary Clinton won Tuesday night. The story is written in the form of a dialogue:
Wait a minute! It’s Cranky Reader from John Sides’s posts at The Monkey Cage.
CR: Hold on a second! I read the papers Wednesday morning. The New York Times, the LA Times, and even your Washington Post (to say nothing of Politico or CNN), and they all have top stories about how Clinton lost Tuesday night in Michigan.
Me: That’s true. Sanders did get more votes than Clinton in Michigan. But Clinton got more votes than Sanders in Mississippi. A lot more votes. As in, five times as many votes. So actually, as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, she had picked up more than 125,000 more total votes than Sanders on Tuesday.
CR: But Michigan is a bigger state and has more electoral votes than Mississippi. Therefore, it is more important to win Michigan than it is to win Mississippi if you want to be the nominee, regardless of the number of votes she won across the two states.
Me: That would be true if states in the Democratic primary were “winner take all” like most states are in the general election. Michigan does have more electoral votes than Mississippi in the general election, and for largely the same reason does award a lot more delegates to the Democratic nominating convention (123) than Mississippi (33).
CR: Ah ha! So winning Michigan is more important.
Me: That would be the case if each candidate won by the same margin. That’s because delegates to the Democratic nominating convention are distributed proportionally. Sanders doesn’t get all 123 delegates because he won Michigan, and Clinton doesn’t get all 33 Mississippi delegates because she won there. Instead, provided they get at least 15 percent of the vote — which they both did in both states — they each win a number of delegates determined by a complex set of electoral rules that in the end roughly approximates their vote share. So since Sanders won by a smaller margin in Michigan (50 percent to 48 percent) than Clinton did in Mississippi (83 percent to 17 percent), she actually won more delegates Tuesday night. And, for that matter, more than 125,000 more votes across the two states.
Head over to the WaPo to read the rest.
Miami Dade College
Claire Foran at The Atlantic: Hillary Clinton’s Intersectional Politics.
Hillary Clinton has taken pains to describe the lead-contaminated drinking water of Flint, Michigan, not only as a public-health and environmental crisis, but also as a crisis of poverty and racism. Along the way, the Democratic presidential contender has invoked the idea of intersectionality, the concept that different forms of inequality and discrimination overlap and compound one another.
Clinton’s use of the term, which was at one time largely confined to academia, signals that it is now a common way of thinking about inequality for a younger generation. Her decision to employ it may also elevate the concept in American politics, and alter the terms of a national debate over poverty, racism and other forms of inequity.
In recent weeks, Clinton has increasingly made reference to the concept on the campaign trail. “We face a complex set of economic, social, and political challenges. They are intersectional, they are reinforcing, and we have got to take them all on,” Clinton declared during a February speech in Harlem. Over the weekend, her campaign tweeted that “Flint’s water crisis is an example of the combined effects of intersecting issues that impact communities of color.” An appended graphic draws literal lines between “poverty,” “systemic racism,” “underfunded school systems,” and “crumbling infrastructure.”
Intersectionality was coined in the late 1980s to explain how different markers of identity coalesce to yield unique forms of discrimination. A black woman, for example, might experience not only racism and sexism in her daily life, but could also confront additional barriers that white women and black men do not. It became a way of making visible the experience of individuals that had previously been caught between the feminist and civil-rights movements.
Foran argues that Clinton may be using the term to attract the young voters who are “flocking to Bernie Sanders,” but I highly doubt that. Intersectionality is a concept that Sanders doesn’t understand at all, and it has been important to feminist analysis for a long time. It is also important to understanding the effects of racism. Anyway, read more at the link.
Mami Dade College Student Union
Bernie Sanders showed up in Florida for the first time last night, and Floridians have noticed his absence and find his attitude troubling.
Tampa Bay Times: With a week to go before Florida primary, Bernie Sanders shows up to campaign.
Less than a week before the primary in the country’s third-largest state, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has a skeleton crew in Florida: four paid staffers and three campaign offices.
Compare that with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s dozens of staffers and eight offices.
Even with three campaign events this week and a debate tonight in Miami — his first trip to Florida as a presidential candidate — there have been few signs of the Vermont senator on the state’s campaign trail….
“To say it’s a pipe dream would imply he actually thinks he has a shot,” said University of Central Florida political science professor Aubrey Jewett. “I suspect he realizes he doesn’t have a shot in Florida, but to be taken seriously as a candidate, you have to basically compete in the biggest battleground state.”
As of Tuesday, Sanders was 26 points behind Clinton in Florida, with just 32 percent of Democrats’ support, according to a RealClearPolitics.com average of state polling data….
Clinton has had a more robust infrastructure in the state since the very beginning, said Alan Clendinin, first vice chair of the Florida Democratic Party. After the 2008 election, a political action committee called Ready for Hillary began collecting names and contact information of supporters at fairs and festivals, he said. When Clinton officially announced her candidacy last year, the committee handed over its database to the campaign, effectively giving it a “turnkey operation,” Clendinin said.
Miami Dade College
Politico: Bernie Sanders discovers Florida.
Bernie Sanders’ plane touched down here Tuesday before the polls started to close in Michigan, offering him a prime opportunity to springboard off what was looking like an unexpectedly strong performance.
The only problem: Sanders’ Miami rally Tuesday evening — more than 10 months into his White House bid, and just one week before Florida votes — was his first campaign event in the most crucial swing state of them all.
It reflected a tactical decision to all-but-cede the South to Hillary Clinton and her decades of relationship-building there, part of a post-Nevada strategic recalibration that turned the campaign’s attention to states voting later in the calendar. The idea was to pick off delegates from the March 15 tranche — Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri are among the states voting next Tuesday — but it’s come at a cost in Florida.
The Vermont senator now trails the former secretary of state by a wide margin in Florida polls, leading local Democrats to question the long-term viability of a candidate without a real Florida operation….
“Florida is very representative of America, the new demographic, the new look of America,” added former Miami Mayor Manny Díaz, a Clinton supporter. “And if you believe that you should not spend any time in Florida, then you should not spend anytime anywhere else. You’re going to run into the same problem everywhere else.”
More details at the link.
Get ready to document the good performances, the gaffes, and the atrocities. I expect a strong performance from Hillary because she’s always at her best when she is challenged.
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Mona (aka Wonk the Vote)
Sky Dancing 
Tonight should be interesting, but I’m growing tired of debates.
Yeah, so am I, and tomorrow there’s another GOP debate.
Koch-backed group praises Bernie Sanders
Total rtfking.
One of Bernie’s top surrogates calls Donald Trump “Brother.”
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If that is the definition of “authentic” then I think authenticity is way overrated.
More seiously, I don’t even know what this means. Is Trump authentically a big fat *ssh*le? Why yes, yes he is. Does it mean he is utterly lacking in the kind of brain-to-mouth filters which represent civilization? Well yeah to that too.
That’s not a good thing. Give me Clinton’s graciousness any day. Life is challenging enough without injecting that kind of nastiness into it.
Cornell West is a crazy-ass dipshit.
He’s an authentic pompous gasbag.
I think if I watched this live, I’d be in a padded room this morning instead of hiding under my blankets.
The moderators were awful. They brought out the worst in BS and asked questions based on every rw conspiracy theory possible. Tumulty was surreal. I think she was trying to be tough but it really didn’t come off that way.
I’m sorry. I’ll lurk the blog, but I can’t bring myself to watch another one of these things. I have a Fixer Upper recorded from last night. I’m going to watch, drink my tea, and head to bed. I stayed up too late last night watching election returns. Also, hubby might freak out if I make him watch another. We pride ourselves on being a one television family so we all watch what we all watch. I’ll check back later.
I don’t blame you. I don’t know if I can watch much of it either.
There is Anderson Cooper acting like a stooge, like a kindergarten student, letting Trump tell him the ways of the world. I hope somebody sues. Here’s more FREE prime time going to Donald Trump, no wonder he isn’t spending any money.
I’m waiting for Hillary Debate, and it’s all about Trump’s one to one with Anderson. I am so friggin tired of the media.
I’m tired of the media too.
They never ask new questions at the republicans debate, never.
Because they have no understanding of the complexities of management of a government and meeting the needs of a nation
I can hear Trump now: Get them Spanish speaking people out of here.
Fortunately, the debate only lasts one hour.
That’s one ashol, that I won’t give ten seconds of my time……..this email bullshit, is just that.
I wonder if any of these pundits will ever ask a question about abortion rights?
They have there guns loads when it comes to questioning Hillary. And not calling Bernie out for his skipping around the subject.
Don’t you think so?
Sanders lied: Those kids on the run from Honduras, were raped, were kidnapped and sold and many didn’t make it. That is why Hillary was very concerned about the children.
Just this morning JJ share a great deal of information of the abuse of women, children on the run for freedom.
Hey! Jean called on her drive home! Trying to watch!
Godafi was at the time of this regime change, committing genocide. Do you understand that Sanders? Do you?
I am totally pissed at the Benghazie questions, what a total ashol. Email and Benghazie, well we know were he is coming from.
Did Karl Rove write these questions? Sheesh!
I’m sick of it.
Was glad to hear the boos on the Benghazi question.
The questions that were asked in this “debate” were the most disgusting and reprehensible of any political debate or interview I have ever seen in my many years of watching politics since 1960. I felt like vomiting at some of the questions.
It seems to me that the entire purpose of this program was to impugn Hillary Clinton’s integrity and attempt to destroy her reputation. I have never seen anything like it. Never.
Now I’m going to donate to her campaign.
They really wanted to take a club to her. I am so angry, I could spit in their fucking faces.
How appalling. I don’t know a thing about Univision, but it probably is a right-wing entity, as most media are. To do that, to turn a so-called debate into anti-Hillary propaganda campaign, is repulsive. Yes, there are too many debates, and the DNC was right to limit to six, but of course Sanders will debate every second, so then Hillary has to go, too. I really hope that if and when she gets elected, she pulls their FCC license. I hope that people were able to see through this, but it never helps. Just beyond disgraceful.
I like the Town Halls much better. I’ve already know Bernie’s answers by heart, all 2 of them. In the THs it’s easier for Clinton to deflect the stupid email questions and general media stupidity. Plus I can just skip the Bernie part and watch Clinton. Every time she answers it’s a bit like free college classes, she’s so knowledgeable and clear in her explanations.
And way less finger wagging and the Shouty Angry Professor.
There he goes again. Shush, I am speaking and I need more time. Hillary didn’t go on and on, and on, when the time was up, she acknowledged that. But Bernie is allowed to do his thing on and on he goes. I am sick of the bastard.
Stop the high interest rates on student loans. You know, Bernie is going to get burned if he keeps saying he said things first. Everyone who got bailed out paid it back. Sanders is saying things too good to be true.
Last night a woman said she threw up in her mouth when Clinton said it would take 5 years to fix flint. So that’s a problem with and instant fixer and a woman who says truth. However, If you have gone to Flint to put a spotlight on a problem, one ought to have an idea how to fix something in less than 5 years.
Sanders-Florida can you move forward on climate change if repugs don’t think its man made. how do you fix it. we need a revolution, when millions of people stand up thats how we win.
Clinton- Florida not much time left and I will move quickly invest in resiliance and mitigation. invest we must make the bridge and we need to go from coal to gas to clean energy. implemnt presidents orders until we get back enough votes.
Did you see that, did you? He went berserk.
yeah, did you see the pressure on fracking? I said it last night, and I think she needs to clarify her gas stance. I don’t think people see that fracking isn’t the only way you get gas. There is acidification and side drilling that are bad. direct drilling not so much.
I didn’t see the response to fracking………..Roof, she is being forceful in her tone.
Fracking is a definite button for younger voters. I keep seeing it on my Bernie blog friends. That takes importance on the West Coast, the Dakotas, Oklahoma, Parts of New York, etc.
I agree, I think, the whole “keep it in the ground” group is having trouble finding the pathway of understanding. they understand “NO”, even if it’s not logical.
Sanders Clinton will you end fracking.
The stupid idiot will not shut up, when told his time is up. Not at all.
Clinton- Sanders doesn’t go after the Bush policies just Clinton and Obama, But it was the Bush years that got us here.
I heard that loud and clear………then Bernie wants to go on her vote for Iraq resolution.
Warren – and Citibank blah blah.
Cuba, Clinton yes they are dictators, though She helped gain diplomacy for Obama. Sanders, a a video clip. the US was wrong to try and invade Cuba, and Monroe Doctrine. I opposed the Reagan government on regime change. Have you ever regretted the characterization of the Castros? Cuba is dictatorial and we must restore full relations.
Clinton we must allow PR to restructure its debt. PRs are US citizens and must be treated as such. I can’t disagree more about Cuba. YOu don’t disappear people.
Sanders. PR is paying 11% interest and vulture capitalists are to blame. No answer in restructuring.
SCOTUS must be replaced see Bush Vs Gore in Florida! Look for people how believe that roe V wade is settled law.
Yes to those statements from Hillary.
90% of this the debate with Bernie, is what was said last week, last month, and last year!
Talking head- Boos in the room over the Cuba tape. And when was the last time we heard about Ortega? FL issues are different. Clinton is posed Sanders is getting better.
He didn’t get the memo about the embargo being lifted ?
I know?!
Slap in the face: Hillary I really appreciate the questions from those here in the audience,her in Florida and those coming from facebook!
oops…….here in Florida.
Clinton-Closing- lively debate thank you Living potential. Will take on economic, ed and health issues. I will be honored.
I am glad she got to end with her speech first, and took a swipe at the panelist who asked some rather bad questions.
Sanders this has been interesting but you didn’t talk about what I want. 1%, oligarghy, stand up fight back.
Thanks Roof. We are Standing with Her.
Yes, we are! Night, Fannie.
I am Standing With Her because she stands for me. And you.
I think sanders has paid audience. The Hispanic vote could be the choosers, don’t let others decide. Did you see the eye roll to Clinton when the audience yelled? So I guess, Sanders has been running the idea that Rahm Emmnauel is responsible under Clinton and Obama for anti Hispanic policies.
Karen Tumulty was the eye roller. Trump said something similar, about how the audience in the debates were not proportionate.
Well, Sanders completely destroyed himself in FL with his refusal to criticize Castro.
On a lighter note (and try to picture the Vermont cocooner in this scenario, where HRC would excel):
Canada’s Crawley family comes to DC. I am almost (almost!) willing to forgive the Obamas everything for having the courage to put poutine on the menu for the first US-Canadian State dinner in over 20 years.
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2016/03/09/whats-on-the-menu-for-trudeau-obama-at-state-dinner.html
http://www.cc.com/video-clips/xavdtt/the-nightly-show-with-larry-wilmore-msnbc-shushes-hillary-clinton
That was awesome. Anyone who needs an antidote to the Sanders’ patronizing shushing, or a break from trying to explain why it’s condescending and sexist, that video is it!
BB……I don’t know whether or not you’ve read this. It may have already been posted here, but just in case it hasn’t I thought you would enjoy
Why the polls missed Bernie Michigan Upset
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-the-polls-missed-bernie-sanders-michigan-upset/
After reading this post and the tweets about last night’s debate I am so glad I didn’t watch it. What a bunch of crap. My stress level would have been so high I would not have slept a wink. This primary is starting to remind me of every single incidence of sexism and harassment I have experience throughout my lifetime. The constant barrage of insults and degradation and the refusal of so many to acknowledge it makes me want to walk away like I have from so many relationships from my past. But this time I can’t, I have to hang in there with Hillary.
Me, too, janicen; but I keep telling myself if Hillary can take it, I certainly can.
I was just looking at the polls numbers from Real Clear Politics polls Michigan The showed Hills an avg of 21.4 points ahead up until the end. I heard the number on the radio and could not believe it. The RCP avg for Florida look really good, I assume these people know what they are doing. I will remain hopeful.
BUT has anyone heard anything about possible shenanigans in Michigan? Could the vote have been messed with to keep the “Bern” “Bern-ing?”
20 points doesn’t evaporate overnight does it? I can’t help but feel that if it were any other candidate the media would be checking for irregularities rather than rubbing there hands together with glee.
Just a little bit of history repeating.