Democratic debate: Who won? Candidates clash over healthcare, immigration, impeachment and more
Candidates clash over immigration, gun violence and the economy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The race to the White house has officially begun, with the first Democratic presidential debate in Miami now over.
Tonight's showdown featured: Cory Booker, Bill de Blasio, Julián Castro, John Delaney, Tulsi Gabbard, Jay Inslee, Amy Klobuchar, Beto O'Rourke, Tim Ryan and Elizabeth Warren.
The candidates clashed over immigration, gun violence and the economy - as well as getting in a number of digs at President Donald Trump.
The second 2020 debate will take place on Thursday evening with the remaining ten candidates having their chance to prove why they should be America's next president.
Follow how the debate progressed in the liveblog below
Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load
Tulsi Gabbard says he agrees with the idea of medicare for all but we just need to make sure that "no sick American" is left behind.
Cory Booker is now saying that premiums need to come down and that insurance companies are "profiteering".
Elizabeth Warren jumps in on the same point - it plays into her campaign pledge of structural change.
Jay Inslee has turned to the idea of abortion rights and says he is the only one to pass a law to protect a woman's right to choose in healthcare.
Amy Klobuchar says there are "three women up on this stage" that have "campaigned pretty hard for a women's right to choose.
Onto the issue of Roe Vs Wade - Warren says it needs to be federal law.
We are into out first advert break.
Here is Inslee on abortion and healthcare.
Elizabeth Warren. Tim Ryan and Amy Klobuchar will be happy with their opening gambits - Beto O'Rourke will also be happy with his airtime.
Just before the break Cory Booker gets another question. Will you hold companies that produce opioids criminally accountable?
Mr Booker would absolutely hold them accountable, they’re liable for debts. O’Rourke would too. He slates Purdue Pharma. They’ve exploited people, and he would prosecute them.
We are onto the big one, immigration and the photograph that has hit the news the last 24 hours of the father and daughter, Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his 23-month-old Valeria, who dies trying to make it to the US.
Julian Castro says the image "should p*** us all off".
Beto O'Rourke on immigration policy on day one of his presidency:
"We would not detain any family fleeing violence" and says he would "re-write immigration laws in our own image"
He says he would help change the situation in Central America to stop people needing to cross the border.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments