This will be Michael Bloomberg’s first trip on stage. How will that impact that debate? Here are three guesses:
1. Debating is an art refined by practice. The other candidates–even Biden–are relatively polished performers by now. Don’t expect Bloomberg to shine under these circumstances.
2. Sanders actually benefits from Bloomberg’s presence, at least for the moment, as he further divides the realo vote. Will Bernie consequently let him off easy for tactical reasons? Not a chance! Bashing billionaires is his reason for running for president. He won’t be able to resist; it’s an issue that is just too close to his heart.
3. Most of the realo candidates will also go after Bloomberg for better tactical reasons. You can expect one of them, however, to make an ostentatious effort to be a unifier and peacemaker. As to which one it will be, I do not know.