Sanders and Clinton Debate Before Iowa Caucuses

Both candidates are practically tied on the polls

CNN broadcasted a town hall meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, with all three remaining Democratic candidates participating, a crucial event on the road to secure the Democratic nomination, since based on the most recent polls, both candidates are pretty much tied in Iowa.

It was a sort-of town hall, since the candidates never saw each other's face and didn't really debate. Clinton was the last candidate to come out, Sanders the first one, followed by former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley. Due to the meeting format, there was less attacks between them while they try to gain the Iowa vote.

When the race started, Clinton was positioned as the one with the best chances to win, however Bernie Sanders has now become her strongest Democratic opponent. Even though he's older, the Vermont senator has generated a lot of enthusiasm among young voters, and it's precisely that enthusiasm and energy that Clinton tried to transmit during the half hour-long meeting while answering the public and moderator's questions.

The differences between both candidates stood out during the session. Clinton focused on international matters, while Sanders spoke about the economy, specially on wage inequality, Wall Street's abuses, student loan debts and the lack of a universal health plan.

In this Democratic forum, attendants had the opportunity to ask pretty hard questions. The first one for Sanders was to explain why he considers himself a socialist. Clinton had to explain why she's considered a dishonest candidate among young voters or at least that's how one Sanders supporter described her. The former Secretary of State was also asked to choose her most inspirational U.S. president, to which she replied ""Sorry President Obama, sorry Bill," before naming Abraham Lincoln.

Bernie Sanders stood up when asked if Hillary Clinton is a better prepared presidential candidate and compared his political record against Clinton's and emphasized that he was one of the few members of Congress to vote against the Iraq war unlike the former Secretary of State. He also highlighted the fact that he fought against Wall Street deregulation, unlike Clinton.

During her presentation, Clinton talked for the first time on the support received by president Obama, who catalogued her as a very smart person and someone who receives a lot of undeserved criticism.

Martin O'Malley, who had a strong presentation, spoke about the lack of veteran aid programs and about global warming, something he considers to be one of the most important subjects among the younger population.

According to the latest CNN poll, Clinton has a small advantage over Sanders with 46%, compared to the senator's 44%. Lastly, O'Malley got 4% of the vote. The Iowa caucuses, which will start the presidential race for both parties, are set for February 1st.

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editorial@sandiegored.com

Translated by: edgar.martinez@sandiegored.com

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