Podium order for the CNN/DMR debate Tuesday in Iowa

[bluewater]

Link to tweet

Nice!

I am looking forward to this, the smallest Democratic primary debate to date.

[crimycarny]

1. Looking forward to smaller debate as well

I've been waiting for a debate forum that will allow candidates to speak more in-depth about their views on policy versus quick sound bites. Though I've been leaning towards Pete Buttigieg I'm very much undecided. I like Buttigieg's Obama-like calm and pragmatic approach. He seems the type to want to delve into an issue cerebrally versus emotionally. However, I feel he lacks Obama's charisma and that could hurt his electability. Yeah, I'd love to think that sort of thing doesn't matter, but it does.

With our foreign policy having been shredded into tatters under Trump, I find myself leaning a bit more towards Biden these days. I've always loved Joe Biden but felt his "time" to run was 2016. I respected his reasons not to run (Beau's death)--a decision which made me admire him even more--but I felt we needed a newer generation this time around. However, with all the turmoil Trump has caused it may be that Biden is the best candidate for this point in our history. He was well respected as VP and he is a "known" quantity to voters and to our allies across the World. There is so much uncertainty right now, voters might be more likely to vote for someone familiar who brings back memories of when the US was respected and the future had a more positive outlook.

But I like Warren and Bernie as well. I need to hear all candidates' viewpoints in more than a 90-second reply. The past debates seemed more along the lines of "gotcha" comebacks and flippant responses than any sort of depth. I want to make a judgment on substance versus show.

So, definitely looking forward to a smaller debate stage. Whoever wins the primary, I will be voting for.