Democratic debate: Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders targeted by moderates

DETROIT â€”  Several lesser-known Democratic presidential candidates attacked liberal front-runners Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren from the first moments of Tuesday night’s debate, saying pursuing their policies will lead to the reelection of President Trump.

“Folks, we have a choice. We can do down the road Sen. Sanders and Sen. Warren want to take us — Medicare for all, free everything,� said former Maryland Rep. John Delaney. Or they could follow his lead, he said, by offering “real solutions, not impossible promises.�

Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper pointed to the party’s successful candidates in the 2018 midterm election to argue that the party must nominate a more moderate nominee.

“Last year Democrats flipped 40 Republican seats in the House, and not one of those 40 Democrats support the policies of the front-runners on the center of this stage,� he said of Sanders and Warren. “I share their progressive values, but I’m a little more pragmatic.�

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, appearing for the first time on a presidential debate stage, said when he watched last month’s debate, he saw candidates focused on scoring points and offering a “wish list� of policies rather than “making sure Americans know we hear their voices.�

Bullock noted that he had been elected three times in a red state.

“Not by compromising our values, but by getting stuff done,� he said. “That’s how we get back the places we lost.�

Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota also pointed to her success in winning elections in the Midwest as she took a moderate tack.

“You’re going to hear a lot of promises up here. I’m going to tell you this — yes, I have bold ideas, but they are grounded in reality,� she said.

In addition to their attacks on the front-runners, the other common ground among these candidates is their lack of support in the polls. They are polling at less than 2% in a Real Clear Politics average of recent polls, and may not make the cut to appear in the next round of Democratic debates in September.