Democratic debate winners and losers: How Bloomberg’s presence helped Bernie Sanders

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 Democratic debate winners and losers: How Bloomberg’s presence helped Bernie Sanders

By Post Staff Report

February 25, 2020 | 10:33pm

Shoot first, answer questions later!

Democratic presidential front-runner Bernie Sanders withstood a barrage of attacks — some withering — Tuesday night from his six rivals, who mounted a last, best effort to slow his momentum heading into the South Carolina primary, said Democratic consultant Monica Klein, who rated the candidates’ performances for The Post.

The rest of the race remains in flux thanks to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s late entry into the contest and his big spending, which has finally given Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren the foil she needed to define her campaign to voters, Klein added.

“Bernie was the one to beat on the stage and no one landed a real lasting punch as we head into South Carolina,” said Klein about the chaotic forum in Charleston. “Without Bloomberg on the stage, Bernie would have received the brunt of everyone’s attacks.”

She added: “Instead, they had a second target to shoot at, which helped insulate Bernie.”

Here’s how she ranked the performances.

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https://nypost.com/2020/02/25/democratic-debate-winners-and-losers-how-bloombergs-presence-helped-bernie-sanders/