Here are the principal story lines for the debate:
- REALOS VS. SANDERS: Since Sanders is now the clear leader, all of the realo candidates can be expected to attack him with renewed vigor. Will they be more effective this time? They need to make their point on socialism and electability in more sophisticated ways.
- WHOM DOES WARREN FIGHT? We’re sure to see Fighting Liz again, but against whom? Bloomberg is the obvious target, but directing her fire solely at realos doesn’t help her make the unity candidate case. She can’t be Pepsi to Sanders’ Coke. Dr. Pepper, maybe.
- CAN BLOOMBERG IMPROVE? Money is important, but it isn’t everything.
- BIDEN’S LAST STAND? There is no plausible rationale for his candidacy if he can’t win in SC. Expect him to invoke Obama in every other sentence here.
- MAYOR PETE VS. KLOBUCHAR: This undercard has become annoying and counterproductive. The issue isn’t which of the two will win the single ticket to Super Tuesday; it’s whether either one has any kind of reasonable path forward. Are they aware of that? We’ll see.