Biden-Warren Win Dem. Debate; Sanders, Clinton Tie for Second

New York, N.Y. With his comment, "I don't give a damn about Hillary Clinton's emails!," the U.S. Senator from Vermont, Bernie Sanders, won the first Democratic debate in Las Vegas of the 2016 election campaign. Hillary Clinton came in a very close second. However, by sitting out, the dream-ticket of Joe Biden-Elizabeth Warren seem poised to win the primary.

The U.S. Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders wins debate.

Photo: Brookings Institution.

Although weak on gun control, Bernie pointed out the enormous number of Americans who did NOT vote in the last election because they were bored of the political machine that Hillary is so close to. He also spoke of climate change as a 'moral issue,' aligning himself with the Pope.

We need a movement, not the status quo.

Bernie's comment, "Congress does not regulate Wall Street, Wall Street regulates Congress" was brilliant - and true. Sanders is not connected to Super PACS, Clinton is.

Hillary, surprisingly, defined herself as I define myself - as a Progressive, not a Liberal. I see her as a politics-as-usual Liberal, although I appreciate her recent support of gay rights and her unwavering support of our Dreamers.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Photo: Brett Weinstein.

I agree with Bernie on the issues more than I do Hillary, my quandary is this: this politics-as-usual Liberal can beat the Republicans perhaps better than a self-defined Socialist.

Anderson Cooper asked a great question: Your enemies illustrate your strengths. Who are you proud of to have as an enemy? I appreciated Bernie saying 'Wall Street and the pharmaceutical companies.' Another said, 'the NRA.' Hillary made me chuckle by saying, 'the Republicans!'

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, former Virginia Senator Jim Webb, and former Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee, who have struggled to earn even 1% in recent polls, were a waste of air time.

Waiting for Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Photo: Edward Kimmel.

I criticize the Democratic National Committee for only scheduling six debates for our presidential candidates, half the number the Republicans are holding. This, possibly, is Hillary's influence - it certainly benefits her.

Waiting for Vice President Joe Biden. Photo: Tom Miller/Obama for America.

I support Bernie Sanders.

Sadly, I don't believe he can win the White House. Although I receive enormous support from the Jewish community with their focus on 'repairing the world,' love Vermont (our family's summer home was in neighboring New Hampshire), and some of my best friends are from Brooklyn (disclosure: I lived on Bergen Street and Flatbush from 1983-89), I am grounded in reality.

Let's face facts: the average American is deeply anti-Semitic, anti-Socialist - and really dislikes both people from Vermont and people from Brooklyn. Yet, Hillary Clinton is the face of politics-as-usual - part of the political machine - with which America is bored.

Hillary would probably beat any Republican. Bernie could not. Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, however, would beat any Democrat - and any Republican. That is why I will wait for Joe and Elizabeth. If they fail to step forward - I support Hillary.

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