What I desperately want to see during tonight's debate:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

Although I don't support her candidacy at all, I'll give Marianne Williamson props for her phrase "dark psychic force of collectivized hatred that this President is bringing up in this country." And with that idea in mind I really, really want to see more discussion in tonight's debate of exactly how much Trump has debased and damaged this country's soul. "Vote for me because I'm not Trump" isn't enough by itself, but I want the candidates to stop making their little angels dance on the head of their various health care pins and instead speak out about having a positive, healing vision that's the polar opposite of Trump's "dark psychic force of collectivized hatred," and talk about big-picture policies and how they differ from the GOP's instead of from each others'.

At this point I don't care whether Bernie's or Warren's or Harris' MFA idea is better or if improving the ACA is a better plan than MFA; I care about how nobody should have to do without health care for lack of money. The GOP doesn't want that - that's the dark force. I care that everyone should have access to the education they need and want, whether that's achieved by some "free" college (nothing is "free," btw) or all free college or student loan forgiveness. The GOP doesn't want an educated population except for those who can afford or cheat their way to it - more of the darkness. All of the candidates support women's reproductive freedom, a regulated but humane immigration system, immediate action to combat climate change, policies and programs to support racial equality, serious efforts to prevent foreign interference with elections, the restoration of good relationships with our traditional allies, and many other things Trump and the GOP oppose - things that if not dealt with will maintain and worsen the darkness Trump has brought and the GOP enables. That's what I want to hear about tonight.

[Demit]

1. But if all they do is talk about what they agree on, what's the point of a debate?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. They can do both.

They can say something like:

Trump and the GOP don't think the government has a role in helping people, even though the Constitution specifically says the government exists "to promote the general welfare." They think the government exists to help rich people become richer. They don't like the idea of universal health care because they're afraid the insurance companies won't make money off people's illnesses. They tried more than 50 times to repeal the ACA, which requires insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions and won't let them impose lifetime caps on benefits. So of course Trump and the GOP don't like the ACA or any other plan for universal coverage. But all Democrats believe health care is a right and not a privilege, and we want to be sure everyone retains that right because we believe nobody should have to go without health care because they don't have enough money to pay for insurance or treatment. And my plan for health care is the best and most effective because .... (recite details here).

An approach like this would allow the candidate to emphasize the ideological difference between Trump/the GOP and the Democrats, while also explaining while his/her particular plan or proposal is better than the others.

[Demit]

5. But you said you don't care whether Bernie's or Warren's or Harris' MFA idea is better,

or if improving the ACA is a better plan than MFA. You disparaged the candidates' differences by comparing them to angels dancing on the head of a pin. Now you say it's okay if they explain why their plan is better than the other candidates plans. Not really sure what you are looking for, honestly. Even if there was time for each of the ten candidates to come out with a variation of your speech, it would soon get repetitious. And sound rote.

This is a Democratic Party primary. Surely Democrats are the overwhelming majority of viewers and are already aware of the differences between the parties. They're watching to get a sense of the difference between the candidates. So they can make an informed decision who to vote for.

So who would you be aiming this show of solidarity to? The media and the various pundits? Not beating up on you, just curious.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. Actually, I don't care which plan is better. I care which candidate can beat Trump.

That's all I care about right now. I want the candidates to convince me they are best able to do that.

[msongs]

2. another joe biden is not (whatever)...but.. attack? nt

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. I don't understand.