Democratic debate: Warren takes hits from all sides as Trump impeachment remains top focus
Democrats spar in the largest presidential primary debate in American history
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Your support makes all the difference.Twelve Democrats hoping to take on Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election took the stage tonight for the largest primary debate in American history -- just as the candidates are finally taking off their gloves.
The candidates who met the Democratic National Committee's polling and fundraising requirements to join Tuesday's night debate -- the first since an impeachment inquiry was launched into Mr Trump -- included former Vice President Joe Biden, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, California Senator Kamala Harris, entrepreneur Andrew Yang, former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke, Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, former House Secretary Julián Castro and billionaire Tom Steyer.
Ms Warren repeatedly came under attack during the debate as rivals accused the Massachusetts senator of ducking questions about the cost of Medicare for All and her signature “wealth tax” plan.
The pile-on was the clearest sign yet that Ms Warren has a new status in the crowded Democratic primary: a front-runner in the contest to take on Mr Trump next year.
The night’s confrontations were mostly fought on familiar terrain for Democrats, who have spent months sparring over the future of health care with moderates pressing for a measured approach while Ms Warren and Mr Sanders call for a dramatic, government-funded overhaul of the insurance market.
But unlike Mr Sanders, Ms Warren refused to say whether she would raise taxes on the middle class to pay for Medicare for All — a stance that’s increasingly difficult to maintain given her more prominent status.
Her rivals seized on the opportunity to pounce.
“I appreciate Elizabeth’s work but, again, the difference between a plan and a pipe dream is something you can actually get done,” said Ms Klobuchar.
Mr Buttigieg added: “We heard it tonight. A ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question that didn’t get a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.”
The political landscape has changed with Mr Trump facing an impeachment inquiry in the House focused on his quest to get Ukraine to dig up unflattering details about Mr Biden, another front-runner among the Democrats hoping to succeed him.
The debate also served as Mr Sanders’ return to the campaign trail following a heart attack earlier this month. The Vermont senator declared, “I’m feeling great.” and hinted at a rally on Saturday in which prominent freshman Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will reportedly endorse his presidential candidacy.
Additional reporting by Associated Press. Check out live updates as they came in below.
That's all for The Independent's live reporting from the Democratic debates.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told Donald Trump he would “never declare a ceasefire" in northeastern Syria and was not afraid of sanctions levelled against his government after launching a major offence against US allied forces in the region.
The president rejecting international calls from world leaders for a ceasefire while speaking to reporters on a flight saying: "They say ‘declare a ceasefire,' We could never declare a ceasefire."
Turkey’s leader also told the group of journalists he was not concerned about the presence of Syrian government troops moving into the city of Manbij, but does not want Syrian Kurdish fighters to remain.
Turkey launched its military offencive a week ago to clear a border region from Syrian Kurdish forces linked to outlawed Kurdish militants in Turkey.
Mr Erdogan said that “we cannot declare a ceasefire until we clear this region.”
Additional reporting by AP
We're five minutes away from the largest presidential primary debate in American history. We'll be keeping you up to date on this page with the latest developments surrounding the debates, as well as any reactions from the president and others. Grab some popcorn and stay tuned for more!
There won't be any opening statements to cut down time on the massive debate night.
Elizabeth Warren is being asked the first question about the president's impeachment and why she supports the inquiry against him.
Bernie Sanders is asked a similar question and says he thinks Congress will find Donald Trump "guilty of enriching himself," calling him "one of the most corrupt presidents in American history".
"I look forward, by the way, not only to a speedy and expeditious impeachment process, but Mitch McConnell has got to do the right thing" and allow a trial in the US Senate.
Joe Biden blasts Donald Trump's decision to "stonewall" Congress, saying the House "has no choice but to move" on impeachment.
Kamala Harris says the president "has committed crimes in plain sight," and adds Donald Trump "has been selling out our democracy."
She goes on to say the president is the most "unpatriotic president we have ever had".
Cory Booker says "we have to be better" when it comes to discussing the seriousness of the impeachment inquiry levelled against Donald Trump.
"This president has violated his [duty], I will do mine," he says.
"We can do two things at once," Amy Klobuchar says, adding that Democrats can legislate while "standing up for America."
The senator says Donald Trump was performing "illegal conduct" while "digging up dirt" on a phone call with the president of Ukraine.
She is also calling out the president for "leaving the Kurds for slaughter," saying "it doesn't make America great again - it makes Russia great again."
Julian Castro also says "we can walk and chew gum at the same time" when it comes to impeachment, going on to discuss health care, increasing college graduation rates and jobs.
Trump "should be removed," Castro says.
"The president has left Congress with no choice," Pete Buttigieg says about impeachment.
"Remember, one day or another, this presidency is going to come to an end," he adds, asking people to imagine what happens when the president leaves office. He says the big issues "have not taken a vacation" while Mr Trump has been in office.
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