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Pete Buttigieg, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Kirsten Gillibrand participate raise their hands in the second Democratic primary debate.

Economics

What Would Happen If the Government Covered Undocumented Immigrants’ Health Care?

Democrats want health coverage for everybody in America, including the undocumented. What does that mean for folks already getting government-covered health care?

Francie Diep

Do Debates Change Voters’ Minds? Here’s What the Research Says.

As 20 Democratic contenders face off this week, here's a look at some stories from our archives that offer insight into the format.

Rebecca Worby

Environment

The Last Democratic Debate Had No Climate Change Questions. This Year That Will Change.

The Democratic Party refused to host a single issue climate debate, but as 20 presidential candidates square off in Miami this week, the topic is expected to be discussed.

Kate Wheeling

Senator Elizabeth Warren delivers remarks on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, on July 28th, 2016, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

News in Brief

The DNC Tried to Be Neutral. Now It Looks Biased.

To avoid allegations of favoritism, the DNC debate line-ups were randomized—to the benefit, or detriment, of Elizabeth Warren, depending on who you ask.

Seth Masket

News in Brief

The Body Language Behind the Presidential Debates

How candidates' bodies say more than their advertising buys ever will.

Jared Keller

Economics

At Tonight’s Debate, Obama Needs to Get a Grip

Watch the president's thumb and index finger. They speak volumes.

Tom Jacobs

News in Brief

What Joe Biden and Paul Ryan Can Learn From the History Books

University of Washington historian Margaret O'Mara's advice: be boring.

Joel Smith

News in Brief

Great Debate: Will Politicians Answer the Question?

American political campaigners are primed to deliver talking points regardless of the question they’ve actually been asked. Two professors offer tips for more on-target debates going forward.

Emily Badger

News in Brief

Is Political Talk Getting Smarter?

An analysis of 27 presidential debates finds a decline in the amount of abstract thought present during discussions of economics.

Erik Hayden