The terrorist attacks in Paris have dramatically changed the outlook and focus of Saturday night's Democratic presidential debate. And they could very well alter a Democratic race largely defined by economic and social issues.
The debate, beginning at 9:00 pm ET and airing on CBS, will take place in the shadow of Friday's attacks, which killed at least 129 and left 352 others wounded according to French authorities. France has declared a state of emergency and ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadliest attacks on the country since World War II.
And it's shifted the focus for tonight's discussion, according to the debate sponsors.
"Last night's attacks are a tragic example of the kind of challenges American presidents face in today's world and we intend to ask the candidates how they would confront the evolving threat of terrorism," said CBS News Washington Bureau Chief Chris Isham.
I think tonight's debate is going to be a rather somber affair in the wake of the recent tragedy in Paris. And it will mean that the candidates will have to convince the American people that THEY have the qualities to lead this country and to keep us safe in what seems to be an increasingly dangerous world.
Last night batshit crazy Ann Coulter decided that the Paris attacks ensured Donald Trump's victory.
They can wait if they like until next November for the actual balloting, but Donald Trump was elected president tonight.
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) November 14, 2015
I imagine that is because ole Ann "Adam's Apple" Coulter believes that blowhards that puff out their chest and talk tough have what it takes to keep us safe.Of course we all know better, and that every one of our three presidential hopefuls are heads and tails above the occupants of the GOP clown car when it comes to responding to terrorism, but tonight it is the Democratic candidate's opportunity to demonstrate that to the American people.
As usual I will update this thread as the evening progresses, and for more up to the minute updates you can visit my Twitter account here.
Update:
It's weird. None of the candidates think the answer to defeating terrorism is to say the magic words "radical Islam." #DemDebate
— Wonkette (@Wonkette) November 15, 2015
I liked this.
.@MartinOMalley bashes @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/2uyOmzwGht pic.twitter.com/vbfg7mCcLG
— POLITICO (@politico) November 15, 2015