BTRTN Debate Preview: Bernie's Last Stand... And How Joe Should Handle It

Born To Run The Numbers provides its perspective on tonight's Democratic Debate:

http://www.borntorunthenumbers.com/2020/03/btrtn-debate-preview-bernies-last-stand.html

Excerpts: "In a different universe – say, three weeks ago – tonight’s debate would have been must-see tv… an epic, consequential, first mano-a-mano face-off for the Democratic nomination between the candidates who emerged as the champions of the ideological branches of the party. Now, it may be 'must see tv' only because America is a nation on lockdown, frozen in front of their tv sets..
"To properly characterize how overwhelming a story the coronavirus has become, one of the most stunning comebacks in the history of American politics has been relegated to the 'C' bloc of cable news programming, as Joe Biden journeyed from deflated spare tire to conquering hero in a matter of days... And yet, despite having been pounded in waves of ever-widening, ever-Bidening Joe-mentum, Bernie Sanders is not ready to concede. Why not?
"In Bernie’s eyes, behind one podium is a ferocious, seasoned, excellent debater in command of substance, detail, and policy; behind the other, the affable, gaffe-able, and occasionally laughable Grandpa Faux Pas, the guy who assembles sentences as if they were complicated Ikea bookshelves. Bernie Sanders wants the chance to out-debate Joe Biden, if only to make it appear that his policies are superior, not his rhetorical gifts...
"Well, Bernie, there you go again. The series of events which took Joe Biden from also-ran to Super and then Super-Duper Tuesday not only made him the front runner, but they actually made him a better candidate...
"Joe, here are seven 'do' and 'don’ts for your debate. Most involve a simple idea: leverage the power of your position. You are the leader. For just about any idea, charge, or policy Bernie can throw at you, you have a golden trump card… “Bernie, that may be your opinion, but more Democrats agree with me.” And how can you prove that, Joe? Because more Democrats are voting for you..."