Why President Trump was the real winner of the Democratic debates

To the attention of millions of Americans, the Democratic Party held its first primary debates last week in Miami. Analyzing both nights, there were few notable changes in the race, regardless of some candidates enjoying good moments or rough patches. Indeed, the candidates sparred over fundamental issues including health care, immigration, and the economy, exposing the deep divide between the moderate and progressive factions of the Democratic Party. But in my view, only one candidate managed to distinguish themselves from the crowded field in a way that will be both significant and meaningful over the long term of this primary campaign.

Pete Buttigieg was the clear breakout star of the second debate this week. The South Bend mayor delivered a series of persuasive arguments and challenged Joe Biden for which candidate has the most compelling policy alternatives to President Trump. Of course, Kamala Harris had the moment that captured the most attention, challenging the former vice president on his past positions on race, however, it is apparent to me that Buttigieg is a candidate better prepared for the long term of this primary campaign.

One of his strongest moments came as he was accusing Republicans of religious hypocrisy over supporting the hardline Trump administration approach to immigration. Invoking his Christian faith, Buttigieg argued strongly that the Republican Party has “lost all claim to ever use religious language” because it allowed the family separation policy to continue. “The Republican Party likes to cloak itself in the language of religion,” Buttigieg said on stage. “We should call out hypocrisy when we see it.”

Buttigieg, who indeed stands out as a moderate candidate in this field, was able to capitalize by making strong generational points and being as a fresh face with innovative ideas and pragmatic proposals. Buttigieg conveyed some substantive policy solutions and real alternatives to President Trump and the Republican Party in a way that nearly all of the candidates who debated on the first night before him were unable to.

During the first debate, when Julian Castro challenged every candidate on stage as to whether they would repeal the current law which makes illegal entry a federal misdemeanor, several of the candidates agreed that it should not be a crime to illegally cross the border. This was a shocking moment and is indicative of how few candidates in this crowded field actually possess the policy solutions or effective alternatives to those of President Trump that are necessary to win the White House next year.