The Iowa Democratic Forum took place Monday night at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in what is the last big event for the candidates before the all-important caucuses on February 1st. An animated Hillary Clinton cast herself as best prepared to build on the legacy of President Obama’s progressive achievements and a defiant Bernie Sanders methodically identified and dismissed criticism of his agenda that some have claimed is unrealistic.
“We will raise taxes, yes we will” declared Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in discussing his ‘Medicare for All’ healthcare plan. Taking a strong position on an issue that is sure to be featured in a Republican general election attack ad if he becomes the nominee.
At one point, Clinton faced tough questions about the enthusiasm around her candidacy from millennial voters. A student in the audience, Taylor Gipple, spoke to the former secretary of state’s integrity, saying, “In fact, I’ve heard quite a few people my age that think you’re dishonest.” Clinton offered that the intense criticism of her over the years is due to her decades long record fighting for progressive values.
Clinton continues to lead by wide margins nationally, but polls in Iowa and New Hampshire continue to show a tighter race with a real possibility that Sanders could beat Clinton in the first two voting states in the nominating contest.
Throughout the primary contest Clinton and Sanders have consistently struck a civil tone. That continued Monday night when Clinton remarked about Sanders’ campaign, “I love the feeling, the energy. I respect him greatly and what he’s done in this campaign. But I believe I’m the better person to be the Democratic nominee and president of the United States.”
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