On September 12 at 8pm, the 3rd Democratic primary debate kicked off, giving the packed audience a glimpse at the 10 highest polling democratic candidates. The debate took place in Houston, Texas at Texas Southern University, a historically black college.

The night was defined by candidates speaking on pressing political topics, as well as sparring with each other over the best course of action to combat issues. Candidates spoke about issues such as gun control, healthcare, racism, foreign policy, and Obama’s legacy.

Former Texas Representative Beto O’Rourke stood out at the debate, because of his fierce statements on gun control and the spread of white supremacy. O’Rourke is a native of El Paso, Texas, a city that was victim to a mass shooting at a Walmart in August, that claimed the lives of 22 people. In a statement that drew applause from the audience, O’Rourke responded to a question saying “hell yes, we are gonna take your AR-15, your AK-47, and we are not going to allow it to be used against your fellow Americans anymore.”

Other candidates that stood out were Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Former Vice President Joe Biden. Warren discussed the corruption that occurs in places like the gun lobby and the insurance industry. Biden defended his moderate plans and proposals, and reaffirming his support for Obamacare, rejecting the more progressive plans of his rivals. The current frontrunner had a few blunders in the debate, including telling parents they should keep a record player on to help their child’s vocabulary, an obviously dated reference.

Another topic that came up throughout the debate was President Donald Trump. Candidates took shots at his policies and his character, the most coming from California Senator Kamala Harris. Harris, although criticized for not laying out her own policies on stage, came at Trump with force. She said the President has “used hate, intimidation, and fear and over 12,000 lies as a way to distract from your failed policies and your broken promises.” 

As the candidates go back to the campaign trail, they gear up for the next debate in Columbus, Ohio on October 15th. However, with candidates dropping out over time such as California Representative Eric Swalwell, it’s possible that the stage will be less crowded by the next debate, and the top Democratic choices will become more apparent.