The Democrats' Small-Ball Debate Is a Recipe for Failure Against Trump

[Sanguine]

Lauren Claffey is a managing director at Hamilton Place Strategies. She previously served in the Department of Homeland Security during the Trump administration and as an adviser to Republican members of Congress.

Night One of the Democratic debate is done, with one night to go … followed by 11 more clashes. And Lord help us if this is going to be the whole primary.

Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke looked a little unsure. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker was very concerned about Beto’s Spanish. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was just OK. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar looked like she was going to throw her hands up at any point and ask why she was there. And Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan was scared Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was going to kill him.

But aside from the ample theater, what was most striking was the candidates’ blatant appeals to specific segments of the population, a doubling down of identity politics and microtargeting voters....

https://www.ozy.com/opinion/the-democrats-small-ball-debate-is-a-recipe-for-failure-against-trump/95224?utm_term=OZY&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DailyDose_06272019&utm_content=Final