Here are five top takeaways from the first half of the Democratic primary debate Tuesday night:
• Facing a strong challenge from the left by self-described “democratic socialist” Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton was asked if she’s a progressive or a moderate. “I’m a progressive. But I’m a progressive who likes to get things done.” While Sanders said he’s not part of the “casino capitalist process” (while standing on a stage in Las Vegas), Clinton said “When I think about capitalism, I think about all the small businesses that were started because we have the opportunity and the freedom in our country for people to do that.”
• Clinton’s 2002 vote to authorize the Iraq war, which helped sink her 2008 Democratic bid, was called a “blunder” by rivals Sanders and Martin O’Malley and an example of “poor judgment calls” by Lincoln Chafee. Clinton noted that Barack Obama, who criticized her on the issue eight years ago, later tapped her for secretary of state and that O’Malley endorsed her in 2008.
• Sanders’ progressive credentials were called into question on gun control, with Clinton noting he voted “five times” against the Brady Bill and for a bill Clinton opposed as a senator to shield gun manufacturers from civil liability. O’Malley said he actually implemented gun control measures as Maryland governor. He suggested Sanders was “pandering to the NRA.”
• Clinton got applause when she said a House Benghazi committee “is basically an arm of the Republican National Committee.” Sanders got even bigger applause when he said “the American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails.” He and Clinton then shook hands.
• Part-time Palm Beacher Donald Trump, who has dominated the Republican race, was not mentioned during the first hour of the Democratic debate.
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