Twitter can’t tell us whether, or how, Wednesday’s debate might change voters’ minds. But it can give us the perspectives of some of the people with expertise on primary races: veteran campaign strategists, consultants and analysts.
Their consensus was great for Elizabeth Warren. For Michael R. Bloomberg, well, not so much.
Here is a sampling of their assessments of each candidate.
Elizabeth Warren
“Warren’s focus on Bloomberg is a pretty powerful electability play. She’s saying ‘don’t you want to see me do this to Trump next?’” — Jesse Lehrich, former foreign policy spokesman for Hillary Clinton
“Difference in Warren tonight: she’s not recycling the same old same old lines. She sounds like herself — practical, prepared, and pissed off. It’s powerful.” — Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible
“Warren is giving the right answer to Klobuchar forgetting the Mexican president’s name and looks like a class act doing it. This dynamic between the two women is great: Warren hits Klobuchar as hard as any other candidate, but stands up for her when she’s being treated unfairly.” — Jill Filipovic, lawyer and former Guardian columnist
“Warren already won this debate. MY GOD.” — Linda Sarsour, national surrogate for Bernie Sanders
Michael Bloomberg
“Bloomberg is missing every single opportunity to pivot. Other than his first answer, he’s not going after Trump. He’s not going after Bernie. And he’s not making a compelling case that he’s the most electable.” — Mo Elleithee, Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service and former Democratic National Committee spokesman
“Not the best answer from Bloomberg on tax returns. ‘I can’t just go immediately to turbo tax.’ Probably doesn’t play well with middle America. Klobuchar immediately pounces.” — Adrienne Elrod, former senior adviser to Hillary Clinton
“Bloomberg is not very good at this. These folks have been doing this for months and you can tell he’s completely out of his depth.” — Zerlina Maxwell, senior director of progressive programming at SiriusXM
“If @MikeBloomberg wants any hope of winning the Democratic nomination, he really needs to step up his #DemDebate game. He was a C+ tonight at his best moments. He doesn’t know his audience… He came in overconfident and underprepared.” — Frank Luntz, Republican consultant and pollster
Bernie Sanders
“No one shows indignation better than Bernie Sanders, at a time in the nation’s history when indignation is appropriate.” — Robert Reich, professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and former labor secretary
“.@BernieSanders answer on fracking captures why his following is so devoted. Whether you agree or not, he didn’t trim his sails. Unflinching.” — David Axelrod, former senior adviser to President Barack Obama
“With the #DemDebate almost over, @BernieSanders has the edge. He is not punching other Democrats too much (other than @MikeBloomberg, of course) and his core message appeals to the Democratic base.” — Frank Luntz
Joe Biden
“Someone switched @JoeBiden to high-test jet fuel. Excellent opening answer on why he is better to take on Trump than Bloomberg.” — Paul Begala, former adviser to President Bill Clinton
“Joe Biden with the perfect comeback: I’m the only one on this stage who actually got something done on health care!” — Adrienne Elrod
“Is Joe Biden even here?” — Rick Wilson, Republican strategist
“I thought @JoeBiden was in great form tonight. He cares so deeply and it really came through.” — Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America
Pete Buttigieg
“Smart approach by @PeteButtigieg. Everyone wants to make this a race between Sanders and Bloomberg. He tied them together, and then trained his fire on Sanders, going toe-to-toe. It’s early, but that could be very effective.” — Mo Elleithee
“.@PeteButtigieg with what could be the best line of the night. “Let’s put forth an actual Democrat” referring to Bernie and Mike.” — Patti Solis Doyle, senior adviser to the 2008 Obama campaign
“Nights like this are a good test of how candidates handle tremendous pressure. So far @PeteButtigieg has been best under pressure.” — Mike Murphy, Republican strategist
Amy Klobuchar
“Amy K will not let her Mexico mistake define her experience and knowledge. Liz Warren defends against the pile-on.” — Jennifer Piscopo, political scientist at Occidental College
“.@amyklobuchar is losing ground on this #Immigration question. @PeteButtigieg cannot represent with authority on this issue but his critique if her voting record landed.” — Anna Sampaio, professor of ethnic studies and political science at Santa Clara University
“Moving up in politics is exhilarating. When you get to upper tiers, it gets harder. @AmyKlobuchar’s performance has been as bad tonight as she was good in New Hampshire.” — David Axelrod