by Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science Sara Angevine
The Democratic Presidential Primary debate is tonight and the five candidates all reflect different components of the diverse Democratic Party- that is, all the white components. Considering that Black, Latino, and Asian Americans make up 35 percent of the Democratic party in the U.S. electorate, it is interesting to note that no candidates of color have emerged as Democratic presidential front runners on the heels of the first Black U.S. President, Democrat Barrack Obama. Perhaps it is gender’s “turn” to be recognized and implicitly, Clinton’s candidacy is cloaked under a veil of chivalry to give (white) women their due voice in public affairs. As a women and politics scholar, I hope that this attention to gender does not ultimately backfire and trigger latent misogyny in the American public. Clinton faced a great deal of sexism in 2008 and I expect that this will likely continue in 2016, given the effectiveness of triggering gender stereotypes.
In tonight's debate, we will see the typical patterns of candidate introduction and distinction, with an emphasis on mobilizing each of their bases. Remember, the principal audience for these primary debates are registered Democratic voters. Clinton, as the frontrunner, has to show centrist Democrats that she is still trustworthy, effective, and “new.” As the top candidate for so long, Clinton voters (if they are not strong Clinton fans) need to feel inspired. Unless Biden steps in, Clinton is the candidate most closely connected to the Obama administration. This may help her in the primary but, if she emerges victorious, will likely haunt her in the general.
Sanders, a candidate similar to Obama in terms of galvanizing the strong left Democrats and inspiring hope, has had a groundswell of support in recent months. Sanders will need to demonstrate that his Democratic-Socialist ideals can translate into congressional-supported policy tonight. Lastly, O’Malley, Webb, and Chaffee will be emphasizing their own records and campaign platforms in order to pull away some of the Clinton or Sanders supporters. Many Democratic voters do not know who these three guys are in contrast to Biden, who is polling ahead of these three nationwide but will not be in tonight’s debate. This is a very smart move if he intends to ultimately run. He does not need to improve name recognition amongst Democratic voters and this delay of entrance shortens the time for public scrutiny.
Tonight’s debate will not be as dramatic or as Trumpertaining as the Republican debate a few weeks back but there still should be some moments of drama. Sanders and Clinton will be pushing each other, politely, and using gender and class cues in the process. Clinton will demonstrate her leftist moments and highlight her fierce support for women’s rights, domestically and globally. Sanders will aim to be a person of pragmatism and will illustrate himself as a consistent fighter for the working class. O’Malley, Webb, and Chafee (and Biden if he does enter) will need to work extra hard to convince Democratic voters that they are the future leaders of the party and not simply reflections the past.
