A Speechless Debate

By Jack Corby

Posted: January 15th, 2019.

I sat in a seat without a colorful sticker taped to it. The seat was like any other seat in the auditorium, made of strong wood and made with little padding. But what was unique was not the seat itself, rather the event the seat was at: The 1^st 2020 Democratic Debate. It was at Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University and was the smallest venue that had ever been graced with the debate.

The entire auditorium only has about 700 seats when at full strength. Add in the 11 (11!) cameras CNN needed, plus a larger stage, and moderators table, and the auditorium only had about 400 seats left, an incredibility exclusive event.

My seat was four rows deep, off to stage left, two seats from the isle. But, most importantly, it was about six feet from Wolf Blitzer, the moderator for the debate. I sat right behind him and got to see everything he did, even the words off of the teleprompter.

When I walked in and saw the entire operation, I was speechless. And for anyone who knows me, that does not happen a lot, if ever. Between the six podiums, to the famous people at the event (Mandy Moore was in the audience), to the feeling of being able to watch the future President of the United States debate and discuss modern world issues in person, I had no idea what to say. I took lots and lots of pictures. I freaked out when I saw Anderson Cooper wave back at me from the upper level where he was broadcasting from. My classmates and I were very, very lucky to be there and the entire experience was so surreal.

At 7pm, a couple of important people, like CNN Washington DC bureau chief, the President of Drake University, and the mayor of Des Moines, came to speak to the audience, thanking us for being here and stressing the importance of voting and this process.

We were told by the floor manager to not do anything funny at the cameras or we would be removed (I made it on TV away!). Once 7:50 pm hit, Wolf and his other moderators, Abby Phillip, CNN’s political correspondent, and Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register chief politics reporter, took the stage right before the candidates.

Once the six candidates took the stage, the air in my lungs left and I was paralyzed. There they were. Right in front of me. A mere 50 feet from some of the smartest, most hard working people and a future President of the United States.

From left to right went Steyer, Warren, Biden, Sanders, Buttigieg, and Klobuchar.

For Steyer, he seemed like a freshman just happy to be dressed for the varsity game. He stood there and smiled (rather creepily) and pushed for great climate change reform. He seemed honest and sincere, no matter how unqualified he truly is to hold office.

Mayor Pete, another unqualified candidate, handled himself well, sticking to his same agenda and rarely getting mad, or even showing any emotion at all, towards the moderators. He did not seem to have a complete answer for his lack of support from the African American community, a fact that has stuck with him for my entire time in Iowa and is illustrated in the constant protestors he sees on the issue.  If Iowa was more than 9% minorities, he may have a very hard time winning this state, but his issues will not be apparent until South Carolina, leaving him ample time to gain serious ground in the polls.

Amy, my favorite, did alright. Her red jumpsuit made her standout and grab attention, but her lack of time management skills is what she will be remembered by. For someone so far back in the polls, she needed to have a great debate. She did not do badly, but she was far from great. Sadly, I do not think she did enough to make up enough ground. For her sake, I hope Iowans disagrees.  

Senator Sanders did rather well, but was rude to the moderators, always raising his hand in an abrasive matter and becoming physically upset when he was not called on, almost like a teachers pet not getting his way in grade school. Also, off camera, he left stage in 3 of the 4 breaks, presumably to use the restroom. He did not seem to be able to move quickly getting on and off stage, a fact that’s shows his age and should be a concern for voters should he not choose a strong running mate come July.

Former Vice President Biden did the best I have ever seen him debate, and I am glad he saved it for when I was there in person. He was poised, smart, and ready for anything that came his way. But, most importantly, he was respectable and honest with himself, the moderators, and the audience, something the current President could use a few lessons on. He always his answers ended on time, never seemed upset when not called on, and, when he was not making notes, always looked his fellow candidates in the eyes while they were speaking. Biden also used time after the debate to work the rope line and take pictures with audience members (even some of my classmates!).

Last, and certainly not least, was Senator Warren, the winner of this debate in my eyes. With a little help from Tom Steyer, Warren’s points were copied numerous times by other candidates, illuminating how strong they truly were. Each point showed great knowledge of the issue at hand and her delivery was flawless. She handled tough questions with grace and knocked the soft balls out of the park. She was very Presidential, and, at this point, I feel like Iowa is hers to lose, no matter what the polls say.

Overall, this expertise was once in a lifetime. I met Wolf Blitzer, made it onto national television, saw six (six!) presidential candidates in one space, and enjoyed every second of it. I am so thankful for the opportunity and, for one of the few times in my life, was left speechless.

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