Summary
On Thursday, November 20, candidates convened again for the fifth 2020 Democratic Presidential primary debate. Ten candidates qualified for the debate criteria, needing to have 165,000 unique donors and to have met one of two polling requirements: (1) two polls at 5 percent or more in the four early nominating states (Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina); or (2) four polls at 3 percent or more in early nominating states or national surveys.
The event was moderated by MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell, and White House correspondents Ashley Parker of The Washington Post and Kristen Welker of NBC News.
The candidates met in Atlanta, Georgia and discussed a range of issues, including the ongoing impeachment inquiry, candidates’ ability to win the 2020 election, climate change, and foreign policy.
On health care specifically, candidates again discussed Medicare For All and women’s reproductive health.
Candidates made several key remarks pertaining to health care:
- Medicare For All/Public Option – Early in the debate Mayor Pete Buttigieg (background and polling) raised the issue of health care by saying his “Medicare for all who want it” plan could unite the American people. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren (background and polling) responded by citing her recently released proposal to transition to a single-payer system in three years, emphasizing that the health care overhaul she backs would not happen immediately. Moderators then asked Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders (background and polling) to weigh in. He replied that in contrast to Sen. Warren he would introduce his plan in the first week of his presidency. Former Vice President Joe Biden (background and polling) responded to Sen. Sanders by stating that most Americans do not support Medicare for All and it would not pass Congress. Instead, former Vice President Biden made a pitch for reinforcing the Affordable Care Act and introducing a Medicare-like buy-in option.
- Women’s Reproductive Health – Moderators asked what Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar (background and polling) would do if Roe v. Wade is overturned. She stated that she would codify Roe v. Wade and make it the law of the land. Sen. Warren was asked by the moderators if there is a place in the Democratic party for people like Governor John Bel Edwards, the recently reelected, Louisiana Democrat with strong anti-abortion views. Warren declined to directly answer the question, but she affirmed her pro-choice stance and articulated a belief that the Democratic Party supports a woman’s right to choose. Sen. Sanders weighed in, agreeing that women should control their bodies not politicians. New Jersey Senator Corey Booker (background and polling) explained that he believes abortion is a voter suppression issue, stating that Georgia’s heartbeat bill is “opposed by over 70 percent of Georgians.”
A sixth debate will be held on December 19, 2019, followed by at least six more debates in 2020 (tentative schedule).