The second Democratic Debates took place on July 30 and 31 between 20 candidates still in the running for the Democratic presidential nomination. Each night tackled the tough issues of healthcare, immigration reform, gun violence, and petty disputes between the candidates (thanks, CNN). Each night also gave rise to its own fresh set of memes and tweets about the fate of each candidate, the rather ridiculous style of the CNN debates, and Marianne Williamson's otherworldly aura. (If you're interested in the "funny reaction" roundup of the first set of debates, click here)
Night one had front-runners Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren flanked by the popular Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Rep. Beto O'Rourke. The other candidates in the lineup included newcomer Gov. Steve Bullock, Rep. John Delaney, Gov. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Tim Ryan, and author Marianne Williamson.
The second night showed the long-awaited face-off between Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, with standout moments from Sen. Cory Booker, attacks by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and many matter-of-fact statements from businessman Andrew Yang. The stage also contained Sen. Michael Bennet, Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and Gov. Jay Inslee.
Regardless of your political leanings and knowledge, these tweets and reactions are absolutely hilarious.
1. On that EXTREMELY intense opening:
It was more suited for a Battle Royale than a presidential debate. CNN apparently spent most of their money on the epic opening to the debate, which seemed to take more time than some select candidates even spent talking.
2. A pop culture reference that felt too accurate.
Jake Tapper would cut someone off EVERYTIME they started to discuss real policy. It was frustrating to say the least.
3. America had to make a difficult decision that first night. The Democratic Debate or the Bachelorette finale?
So was there even a correct choice?
5. John Delaney suddenly realizes where he is...
... and he doesn't seem happy about it.
6. And it just keeps coming.
Elizabeth Warren delivered one of the most popular lines of the night ("I don't understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running for president of the United States just to talk about what we really can't do and shouldn't fight for") as a response to John Delaney's criticisms of her many plans.
8. And of course, a roasting of the debate simply can't happen without acknowledging Marianne Williamson.
A self-help author before going into politics for this presidential run, Williamson often delivers some of the most...unexpected lines of the debate.
9. That was just one of many.
A reference to the now infamous "Cats" trailer, which shows humans as creepy anthropomorphic cat creatures.
10. Many people commenting on CNN's rather annoying style of debate as well.
It seemed more focused on candidates gossiping about one another than focusing on the issues at hand.
11. Another pop culture reference? Yes please!
Don't worry, Biden took most of the fire during the second debate.
12. Emphasis on "MOST of the fire"...
Without anyone expecting it, Tulsi Gabbard pulled out the receipts on Kamala Harris' record as prosecutor. A highlight of the night for Gabbard, but quite the opposite for Harris and her reputation.
13. A+ use of an "Office" reference.
The night was almost a complete roast of Joe Biden. He was basically everyone's fallback whenever they were getting called out.
14. The catchphrase of both nights!
@thatclassicalliberal on Tumblr
I mean, it's working for most of these candidates so maybe it'll work for me.
15. On Jay Inslee baring a remarkable resemblance to a well-known movie character...
On another note, if you haven't seen "Avengers Endgame" yet, what are you doing with your life? It's almost as epic as CNN's debate opening sequence.
16. The CNN debates boasted a new development on the earlier MSNBC ones: protesters.
They were yelling "Fire Pantaleo." It was a reference to the New York City police officer accused of killing Eric Garner in an unjust attack, yet charges were not pursued.
17. On Joe Biden's rather confusing set of numbers in his opening statement.
In Joe Biden's closing statement during the second night of debates, he told viewers to "go to Joe 3-0-3-3-0 and help me in this fight." Originally it was unclear on whether this was a website or something else (it was eventually discovered that if you were to text the number 30330, you would be linked to the Joe Biden campaign).
18. Or if you took his statement as literally as possible...
If we live to 30330 with the current climate crisis...
18. The face-off everyone was waiting for, Avengers style.
The biggest debate within the debate that night was healthcare, with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris being the main contenders.
The next set of Democratic Debates will take place on September 12 and 13 in Houston, Texas and hosted by ABC News. The requirements are stricter, and as of right now less than 10 candidates are guaranteed a spot on the stage (including Former VP Joe Biden, Sen. Cory Booker, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Kamala Harris, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former Rep. Beto O'Rourke, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren).
And I'm sure each night will lead to more funny tweets, memes, and reactions. So, see you soon!
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