United States: Coronavirus Invites in the First Biden-Sanders Debate

Joe Biden (left) and Bernie Sanders greet each other before the start of their televised debate. March 15, 2020. REUTERS / Kevin Lamarque

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In the United States, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders dueled for the first time in the race for the Democratic nomination. A debate in times of crisis: the coronavirus pandemic was at the heart of the discussions and occupied half of the two hours of debate.

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From our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki

In these times of coronavirus , Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders had to show which of the two would be better able to manage the crisis. In a studio without public, installed one meter apart, the two men discussed the decisions they would have made if they were presidents.

Unsurprisingly, Bernie Sanders, largely out of the race for two weeks, has long insisted on his health insurance plan for all. “ This coronavirus pandemic exposes the incredible weaknesses and dysfunctions of our current health system . "

For Joe Biden, changing the whole system is not adapted to the current crisis. “ People want results, not a revolution. They want results right away! "

A woman for the position of vice-president

The two men both pointed to Donald Trump's deemed catastrophic management of the coronavirus. Everyone leaves this debate with strong moments and moments of weakness. Senator Sanders tackled the legislative record of the former Vice-President, notably on the war in Iraq or even gay marriage.

Joe Biden, for his part, played the surprise announcement card. If he is the candidate of the Democratic Party, he undertakes to take a woman for the post of Vice-President.

Still wanting to display unity despite the competition. Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders each said they would support whoever won the nomination. " We have a common enemy ," said Joe Biden, that is Donald Trump.

► Democratic primaries in the United States: first debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders

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  • United States
  • Bernie Sanders
  • USA elections 2020
  • Coronavirus

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