'We'll follow her campaign until the White House': Harris a hit among pubgoers watching 2020 Democratic debate

Night two of the Democratic debates, and while some viewers watched at home, some with friends the Neoliberal Project’s debate party at Gebhard’s Beer Culture in Manhattan is in full swing

The group brought name tags, stickers, and a homemade “debate bingo board” with squares like “Biden and Yang have beef” and “socialism, but it’s a good thing”, which attendees played for prizes.

The party drew about 40 people to watch Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Marianne Williamson, Michael Bennet, Eric Swallwel, Kirsten Gillibrand, Andrew Yang and John Hickenloper attempt to cement a position as the democratic frontrunner.

Ms Harris, Mr Sanders, and Mr Buttigieg drew the loudest cheers. They were particularly loud as the three spoke on the Trump administration policies they would reverse if they were to become president. Some partygoers declared their full support for Senator Harris, saying they would “follow her campaign until The White House or it’s end”.

The partiers cheered for the candidates speaking on family separation, reproductive rights, Medicare for All, and reducing tax cuts for the American upper class. One attendee said that healthcare, immigration, family reunification, and education were his main concerns this election cycle, and he would be voting on those issues.

David G, a lawyer who is planning to vote for Mr Biden, praised Ms Harris as she spoke out. “Harris is very articulate, she seems to be having a good night.”

Another partier, Nicole R, was surprised by Mr Buttigieg’s eloquence as he spoke on the recent police shooting in South Bend, Indiana. “I haven’t spent much time listening to Mayor Pete, and I’m impressed.”

While the candidates declared their support for or disagreed with Medicare for all, a partygoer named Jackson K screamed out “path to dependency”, to a small round of applause.

He said to The Independent: “We only talk about Medicare for all or Obamacare when we talk about healthcare.There are tons of other options.”

When Senator Sanders was asked about the potential overturn of Roe v Wade, he noted his Medicare for All would assure a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. All candidates on the stage have, at one point, declared their support for accessible abortion.

On fringe candidates like Andrew Yang and Marianne Willliamson, David said “They’re not total crackpots.” Another person said “Who is this woman?” as Ms Williamson spoke.

Another woman shouted “What is she on?” as Ms Williamson talked in a roundabout manner about climate change.

One attendee, Elly M, was torn on Andrew Yang, who has proposed a Universal Basic Income where each American would receive $1,000 each month.

“I like Yang’s tech background, and his understanding of tech. However, giving each American $1,000 a month will not work. It’s a little bit of a dream.

She continued: “Elizabeth Warren is my candidate.”

Other attendees were supportive of Ms Warren, who according to popular consensus had taken victory in the first Democratic debate on Wednesday.

Emily B noted that Senator Warren had the most comprehensive policy proposals and that while she was considering other candidates, she was most likely to vote for the Massachusetts Senator.

Many attendees are still questioning who they would like to vote for, but all are sure of one thing: none of them will be voting for Donald Trump.