Democrats Debate Tonight in South Carolina - Here's How to Watch

US-POLITICS-VOTE-DEBATE

Democrats campaigning for their party's nomination for president in 2020 will take the stage in South Carolina tonight ahead of the state's primary on Saturday and Super Tuesday next week, in which the greatest number of states will be holding primary elections or caucuses.

This may be many candidates' last shot at redemption as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has settled into a clear-front runner status following his victories in Nevada and New Hampshire. Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a relative newcomer to the race, will appear onstage for his second debate of the primary season, despite the fact he won't be appearing on the ballot in North Carolina this Saturday. Bloomberg's campaign acknowledged that his last debate performance in Nevada wasn't the candidate's "best night,' but he will appear tonight, hoping to give better answers on NDAs and the controversial "stop and frisk" policing tactic that was used and expanded during his time as mayor of New York City.

Candidates won't just be reaching out to voters in North Carolina, they'll also be speaking to a wide swath of the country ahead of Super Tuesday, in which Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia will cast their vote for their preferred candidate on March 3. 

When and Where is Tonight's Debate?

The debate is being hosted at the Gaillard Center in downtown Charleston and is scheduled to begin at 8 pm ET. It will run for approximately two hours.

How Can I Watch the Debate Tonight?

Viewers can catch the debate by watching CBS, BET or by streaming it at CBS News online.

Who is Moderating Tonight's Debate?

The moderators for tonight's debate include CBS Evening news anchor Norah O'Donnell, CBS This Morning anchor Gayle King, Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan, CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett and 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker.

Which Candidates Qualified for Tonight's Debate?

In order to qualify for tonight's debate, candidates must have at least one pledged delegate to the National Democratic Convention from the previous three contests. They could also qualify if they reached at least 10% in polling in four national or South Carolina polls.

The candidates who met the criteria and will be appearing at tonight's debate include:

  • Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders
  • Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren
  • Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg
  • Former Vice President Joe Biden
  • Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar
  • Billionaire investor Tom Steyer
  • Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg

Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was unable to qualify for tonight's debate.

Photo: Getty Images


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