Last Tuesday was a huge night for the 2016 Presidential campaign. Democratic candidates went head-to-head discussing their positions on key issues for the American people. However, there were a few unexpected moments to take away from the live broadcast. Listed below are some of the most memorable moments from the 2015 Democratic Debate.
1. The Emails
Hillary Clinton was asked by moderator, Anderson Cooper, to defend her choices with the use of a private email server as secretary of state, but before she could finish, Bernie Sanders came to her defense.
"Let me say something that may not be great politics, but I think the secretary is right, that the American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails," Sanders said.
Clinton quickly laughed, "Me too, me too."
2. The Handshake
As a result of Sander's quick defense, Clinton left her podium to give Sanders a handshake. This was definitely a surprising moment considering the formality of the event.
3. Planned Parenthood
One of the big topics for the night was Planned Parenthood. Clinton defended paid leave, and the women's right to choose, gaining a major applause from the audience.
"They don't mind having big government to interfere with a woman's right to choose and to try to take down Planned Parenthood. They're fine with big government when it comes to that - I'm sick of it," said Clinton.
"We should not be paralyzed by the Republicans and their constant refrain, 'big government this, big government that,' except for what they want to impose on the American people. I know we can afford (paid leave) because we're going to make the wealthy pay for it," continued Clinton.
4. Clinton's 'No'
Shockingly, one of the best lines of the night was two letters long. Lincoln Chafee led an attack on Clinton's credibility.
"Credibility is an issue," Chafee stated.
"Secretary Clinton do you want to respond?" asked moderator Cooper.
"No," Clinton said, and the audience gave her a large applause.
5. Webb's Lack Of Time
Although other candidates seemed to be taking over the debate, Jim Webb was determined to make sure he had time to share his opinions.
"Can I get in the discussion at some point? I've been standing over here for 10 minutes trying. It's going back and forth over there," said Webb.
Throughout the debate, Webb was continually frustrated by this issue, stating, "I hope I get that kind of time here."
6. Chafee's Voting Choices
Lincoln Chafee was questioned on his decisions and choices in the senate, to which Chafee seemed to provide a few strange answers. Moderator Anderson Cooper asked Chafee to explain his decisions from being a Republican, to an Independent, to finally a Democrat. Chafee insisted that his beliefs have not changed.
Chafee replied, "Anderson, you're looking at a block of granite when it comes to the issues."
Cooper also questioned Chafee's time in the Senate, specifically a vote Chafee cast in 1999. Chafee scrambled by stating that the vote was a mistake because his father had just died and he had "just arrived."
Cooper then asked, "With all due respect, what does that say about you that you're casting a vote you didn't know what you were voting for?"
Chafee continued to justify his choices and replied, "I think you're being rough. I had just arrived, my dad had just died, I just arrived at the city and it was 90 to 5."
7. Trump's Live Tweets
While this major political event was occurring, Donald Trump, a Republican candidate, live tweeted to add his personal jokes regarding the event.
8. O'Malley's Positive Closing Remarks
Martin O'Malley left viewers on a high note by using his closing statement to distinguish the Democrats and the Republicans and shed light on the new changing generation.
"On this stage you didn't hear anyone denigrate women, you didn't hear anyone make racist comments about new immigrants, you didn't hear anyone speak ill of anyone because of their religious belief," O'Malley stated.
O'Malley continued, "I truly believe we are standing on the threshold on a new era of American progress. Talk to our young people under 30. You'll never find among them people that want to bash immigrants or people that want to deny rights to gay couples."
These were some of the more interesting, unexpected moments from the Democratic debate Tuesday night. What did you think of the debate? Was there a winner? Leave your comments below.
