Two days ago Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, the outsider Democratic contender for the White House, challenged former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to a debate in the state of New York before the April 19 primary.
Sanders, rejuvenated after a complete sweep of the last three caucuses, is seeking to keep his chances alive despite his shortfalls in pledged and unpledged delegates. After previously declining to respond to the challenge, Clinton on Tuesday told reporters that she was open to a debate in Brooklyn. She made the statement while campaigning in Lacrosse, Wisconsin.
While Clinton did not specify a date, this is a victory for the Sanders campaign, as they strategize different ways to close the huge lead that Clinton has in the polls in the state. Clinton, currently leading 71-23 in the polls (Emerson College Polling Society) is hoping to maintain that drastic lead. It is not surprise that she is hesitant to engage in an event that could shake or compromise her commanding lead.
This debate, should it happen, would be of symbolic significance; the two candidates share this mutual home turf. Clinton, having previously served in the U.S. Senate for New York, took a large majority from Brooklyn during her senate races.
Meanwhile, Sanders is a Brooklyn born native, who attended Brooklyn College – what the locals call the Harvard of Bedford Avenue. A debate in Brooklyn would test the loyalties of these natives, where victory or defeat for either candidate could resonate across the country.
“She’s done well in the debates. The debates have been very good,” said Joel Benenson, a Clinton campaign spokesperson. “But Sen. Sanders doesn’t get to decide when we debate, particularly when he’s running a negative campaign against us. Let’s see if he goes back to the kind of tone he said he was going to set early on. If he does that, then we’ll talk about debates.”
The outcome of this debate could be of immense importance to the democratic race. If Clinton outperforms Sanders, it could seal the deal in New York, and as a result seal the deal for her nomination. However, if the opposite transpires, the momentum could carry Sanders to do well in the New York primary, and that inertia could eventually overtake Clinton in the race.
