| | | | Beto late than never? |  | | No one -- not Bernie Sanders, not Elizabeth Warren, not Pete Buttigieg, not anyone -- has more riding on tonight's CNN Democratic presidential debate than Beto O'Rourke.
The former Texas congressman entered the 2020 race to a huge amount of fanfare (and money; $6 million raised in his first day as a candidate). But since then, not much of anything.
O'Rourke has looked genuinely lost in the race over the last few months, a sense typified by his barely there performance in the first debates of the presidential contest last month. The one notable moment for O'Rourke in that debate was a bad one; he got beaten up by former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro for an alleged lack of knowledge and specificity about how to address the immigration crisis in the country.
In the run-up to tonight's debate, the O'Rourke campaign has acknowledged that he wasn't at his best in the first set-to and promised he will be better this time around. "I think something needs to come through that's a lot more me in the way that I give those answers," O'Rourke told Jemele Hill recently.
His team has also signaled O'Rourke's plan to go after Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, in a concerted way -- under the belief that Mayor Pete has stolen the inspirational mojo that belonged to Beto early in the race, and that this debate is the perfect time to steal it back.
There's a big difference, of course, between saying you are going to be better and more aggressive, and actually getting on the stage and, well, doing it.
To be clear: This isn't O'Rourke's last chance. He has already met the higher qualifications for the third and fourth debates in September and October, so he'll be onstage again no matter what happens tonight. But what tonight will likely determine is whether he will be a bit player in those debates or a real competitor for the nomination.
The Point: The stakes are very, very high for O'Rourke. Another debate swing-and-a-miss could put him in a very bad spot.
-- Chris | | There's one thing you need to know about Steve Bullock: As the governor of Montana, he's the only 2020 Democrat who won the same state as Trump.
Bullock drove that point hard in the press around the first debates, when he failed to qualify. And you can expect him to mention it onstage tonight. This time around, Eric Swalwell's departure made room for Bullock, meaning the governor will now have the chance make his case next to nine other candidates, who are all appearing for a second time.
As a latecomer, Bullock will have to work even harder to introduce himself to the national audience in time to emerge from the crowded field.
Bullock is among the 13 candidates who haven't crossed the 2% threshold in any of the qualifying polls for the fall debates, so he won't be the only one vying for a breakout moment.
This debate stage is Bullock's major chance to put himself on voters' radar for the first time.
-- Lauren | | Test your Detroit trivia knowledge with this handy quiz!
Can't get enough quizzes? No problem: Test your political trivia know-how!
Let's talk about the issues! Here's where the 2020 Democrats stand.
Fun facts: 20 things you didn't know about the Democratic candidates 🎧 For your ears: With Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders center stage -- and surrounded by moderates -- Lauren has more on the gulf between the progressives and moderates on display at tonight's debate in The Point podcast.
A bonus something fun: Stop running for president and enjoy summer. | |  | The 3 keys to winning a 2020 debate | | The Democratic 2020 field will take the stage starting tonight in Detroit for CNN's Democratic presidential debate. With 19 other candidates trying to make their case, here's what it takes to stand out from the crowd and win a debate in 2020.
Unlock your mind with the true key: Subscribe to The Point on YouTube! | | The Democratic 2020 field will take the stage starting tonight in Detroit for CNN's Democratic presidential debate. With 19 other candidates trying to make their cases, here's what it takes to stand out from the crowd and win a debate in 2020.
Unlock your mind with the true key: Subscribe to The Point on YouTube! | | | There are any number of ways to prep for a two-hour debate performance. Here's how some of tonight's participants prepped:
🏃🏻♂️ Beto O'Rourke went for a run. 🎥 Bernie Sanders sat down with rapper Cardi B to film a campaign video. 🏢 Elizabeth Warren held a town hall in Toledo, Ohio. 🗣 Marianne Williamson gave an interview saying her debate strategy is to be herself and say what she believes. | |
WHAT ARE THE OTHERS UP TO? | | They may not have made the debate stage in Detroit, but the other 2020 hopefuls are keeping busy...
Tom Steyer: Is making his first visit to New Hampshire, even though he'll still get debate night TV time -- an ad from a pro-impeachment group funded by Steyer will air during the debates. It features Robert Mueller's testimony during the debates tonight and Wednesday.
Joe Sestak: Will campaign in Wisconsin on Wednesday.
Seth Moulton and Wayne Messam also did not qualify for this debate. | | | | | | |
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