Remove Donald Trump, subtract a few nominees, switch political parties, and we have set the scene for CNN's Democratic Debate that aired October 13th. For those of you who missed it, here's where to catch up: a compiled list of the main issues discussed and highlights from the nominees.

Relevant Issues Overview:

Compared to the Republican debate, the Democrats remained relatively focused on hard hitting issues. Among them were: race, campaign finance, Wall Street, college education and affordability, climate change, gun control and, of course, foreign policy.

Nominee Key Quotes:

Hillary Clinton

via: CNN.com

"Im a progressive. But I'm a progressive that likes to get things done."

"It's our job to rein in the excesses of capitalism so that it doesn't run amok and doesn't cause the kind of inequities we're seeing in our economic system."

Bernie Sanders

via: USnews

"I think the secretary is right, and that is that the American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails."

"Let me tell you, Donald Trump and his billionaire friends under my policies are going to pay a hell of a lot more in taxes today — taxes in the future than they're paying today."

"I suspect I would vote yes." (In regards to legalizing marijuana)

Martin O'Malley

via: cdn.turner.com

"On this stage you didn't hear anyone denigrate women, you didn't hear anyone make racist comments about new American immigrants, you didn't hear anyone speak ill of another American because of their religious beliefs."

"I am for a generous, compassionate America that says we are all in this together. We need comprehensive immigration reform."

Jim Webb

via: pressherald.com

"I am very comfortable that I am the most qualified person up here today to be your commander-in-chief."

"Americans must respect traditional gun control policies for people who want to defend themselves and their families.”

Lincoln Chafee

via: slate.com

"Anderson, you're looking at a block of granite when it comes to the issues."(Chafee commented when asked about his previous party affiliations.)

"I would bring the gun lobby in and say 'We've got to change this. Where can we find common ground?'" (In response to questions about gun control.)

Talk of winners and losers?

Although there is speculation and conversation about the "winners" and "losers" of this debate, it might be a bit far fetched to justify these claims. However, it is never to early to confirm your stances on issues and begin forming opinions about the differing politicians. Each nominee did their best to support their claims, making an effort to supply credibility and passion where necessary. Moving forward, the only thing that's safe to say is no one is safe which should make for an interesting race: stay tuned and keep up!

*All quotes taken from CNN's airing of the debate.