The first Democratic debate is well on its way and no, Vice President Joe Biden did not make an appearance. You already know Hillary Clinton, apparently the current frontrunner, and Bernie Sanders who’s been giving Clinton a run for her money, but the other Democratic candidates debating tonight are former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee; former Governor of Maryland Martin O’ Malley; former senator Jim Webb of Virginia.
The issue of gun control was the first topic of the night to rile up the candidates, namely Clinton and Sanders. Clinton went off on Sanders saying he isn't "tough enough" on the subject, recalling his previous support of the NRA saying, “Its time the entire country stood up against the NRA,” for which she got a great crowd response.
But Sanders was quick to defend himself saying “All the shouting in the world” wasn’t going to fix the problem.
The heated discussion continued when O'Malley called out Sanders response.
UPDATE 9:51 p.m.:
Bernie Sanders brings the house down when discussing Clinton's emailgate. Clinton laughed, agreed, and the two even shared a friendly handshake.
Bernie Sanders's e-mail gift to Hillary Clinton http://t.co/NyMLFdHweU pic.twitter.com/iVEvJquEjH
UPDATE 9:56 p.m.:
A viewer question asks candidates whether Black Lives Matter or All Lives Matter and the candidates responded. Sanders was the only candidate to outright say "Black Lives Matter," while discussing institutionalized racism, and mentioning Sandra Bland's tragic death. Clinton acknowledged that black lives matter but said, "We've got to do more about the lives of these children." Webb bricked it and said All Lives Matter. And O'Malley said:
UPDATE 10:08 p.m.:
Webb is getting really angry about not having enough time to speak at the debate, asks Sanders to tag him in before complaining that he isn't getting enough time.
.@BernieSanders pushes Clinton on bank regulation (plus Webb tries to jump in) pic.twitter.com/Sik5xf2U07
And Anderson Cooper rightfully clapped back:
10:20 p.m.:
When asked what their plans were to tackle the state of higher education Sanders said college should be free.
Clinton talked about lowering tuition, saying no student should have to take out loans. She also mentioned she would supporting states that want in-state tuition for undocumented students, who are normally charged outrageous out-of-state rates.
UPDATE 10:45 p.m.:
Sanders said he would vote to legalize marijuana, specifically in the state of Nevada saying: “Too many lives are being destroyed for non-violent offenses.” He added, that Wall Street CEOs are being let off the hook while young people rot in prison. Clinton on the other hand said she's not ready to take a position on legalization, though she did say she supports the use of medical marijuana (calling for more research). Clinton piggybacked on Sanders' response and said people need to stop being imprisoned for low-level offenses.
