The biggest bets in Las Vegas tonight won’t be made at the gaming tables. They’ll be made on this stage during the Democratic debate.
Question from a reporter: "Did you wipe the server?"
Hillary Clinton: "What with a cloth or something?"
So far this campaign season, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been her own worst enemy.
Her email server mess has weakened her candidacy by raising questions about her trustworthiness and integrity.
Tonight, she must answer those questions.
She should be clear, direct and honest. If she’s not, she has more trouble ahead.
"Are there differences of opinion that should be discussed? Of course, there are," said Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Like Clinton, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has a reputation as a pretty good debater, too. But he’s never debated before a crowd the size of tonight’s audience.
He’s getting crowds the size of Donald Trump’s. But he’s the anti-Trump. "Let’s treat each other civilly, let’s treat each other respectfully, and let’s not try to demonize people who may have disagreements with us," said Sen. Sanders.
And then there are former Rhode Island Governor and Senator Lincoln Chafee; former Virginia Senator Jim Webb; and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. Tonight all three need to break out or think about dropping out.
"These debates are make or break for every campaign. Lots of people are going to be viewing this, given how few of them there will be this year," said Martin O’Malley.
And then there’s the Democrat’s sixth man–Vice President Joe Biden. He’ll be invisible tonight, but–if Hillary Clinton falters–we could be seeing a lot more of Joe.