Commentators: Who won the Democratic debate?

In a format that was endlessly frustrating, with so many candidates on stage that moderators had to cut them off just when you wanted to hear more, Democrats showed voters that they bring a host of different, well-thought-out ideas for them to choose from.

It was a pity that foreign policy was left out, but in the topics covered, the candidates offered a range of thoughts aimed at repairing the damage inflicted by the Trump administration, from immigration to climate to gun violence, fields where Trump has achieved less than nothing.

To much applause, Mayor Pete Buttigieg declared that no matter what Democrats say, Republicans will brand Democrats as socialists, so Democrats should ignore what Republicans think.

But that is electoral sophistry. Democrats need to choose a nominee who can beat Donald Trump, one who can appeal to moderates and disaffected Republicans.

As Buttigieg himself later said, none of the great ideas by the candidates on the stage will matter if Trump is reelected. Fortunately, for Democrats, and for the country, there are smart, thoughtful people opposing him.

The strongest showings came from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar, with a reliably impressive performance from Buttigieg.

The young mayor is charismatic, articulate, and made resonant moral appeals, most notably his call to Republicans to examine their conscience as they support the current president. Buttigieg has a bright future. He will be a formidable candidate four or eight years from now.

Warren showed she is the standard-bearer and the more effective champion of the ideas that Bernie Sanders introduced in his first run for president. Sanders can take comfort that his views have been embraced by many in the party. But he should now step aside. (Surely, he won’t.) His overflowing, high-decibel style does not help his cause. Warren’s steady, secure performance takes command of the left wing of the too-crowded stage. And yet, I remain skeptical that those ideas can win a general election.

Amy Klobuchar came through as a thoughtful, smart, pragmatic, experienced prospect, with a moral core. “Immigrants don’t diminish America,” she said, “they are America.” She offered a solid proposal for a major infrastructure plan to prevent another crisis like Flint’s poisoned water. And she touted her strong track record of winning elections in the middle of the country, portraying herself as a candidate who can win a general election.

The first night belonged to Warren, Klobuchar and Buttigieg.

Frida Ghitis, a former CNN producer and correspondent, is a world affairs columnist. She is a frequent opinion contributor to CNN and The Washington Post and a columnist for World Politics Review. Follow her on Twitter: @FridaGhitis

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