US Democratic Presidential Candidate Launches 'Full-scale Offensive' Against Sanders... Can He Defeat Trump?

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] At the Democratic presidential candidate debate held in Charleston, South Carolina, Senator Bernie Sanders and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg were the main targets of attacks.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 25th (local time), media outlets in the U.S. reported that the candidates focused their firepower on criticizing Senator Sanders, who has emerged as a frontrunner. Senator Sanders was criticized on various fronts, from his past policy positions to the feasibility of universal healthcare 'Medicare for All' regardless of income or age.

The New York Times (NYT) evaluated that Senator Sanders had the toughest night that day.

For example, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg targeted Senator Sanders, saying, "Senator Sanders' nomination could cost the Democratic Party not only the presidential victory but also the already secured House majority and the possibility of a Senate majority."

Former Mayor Bloomberg also joined in the attacks on Senator Sanders. He questioned, "Do you think moderate Republicans will vote for Senator Sanders in the presidential election?" criticizing Sanders' ability to expand to the center.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Former Vice President Joe Biden mentioned a past mass shooting incident in the area and pointed out that Senator Sanders did not support certain gun control regulations.

Allegations that Russia was supporting Senator Sanders also became a point of contention. When former Mayor Bloomberg brought this up, Senator Sanders countered by referencing Bloomberg’s past praise of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Regarding this, Senator Sanders claimed that polls show he can sufficiently defeat President Donald Trump in the presidential election.

Former Mayor Bloomberg was also criticized for past sexual harassment remarks toward female employees.

CNN named former Mayor Buttigieg, former Vice President Biden, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Senator Sanders as winners of the debate. The losers were identified as former Mayor Bloomberg and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Meanwhile, U.S. media generally evaluated the debate as a messy free-for-all due to mutual slander among the candidates.