Elizabeth Warren: Why Run for President Just to Say ‘What We Really Can’t Do and Shouldn’t Fight for’? (Video)

Senator’s zing at the expense of candidate John Delaney was a standout during CNN’s Democratic presidential debate

Elizabeth Warren scored one of the most talked-about moments during Tuesday’s Democratic primary debate, when she essentially asked former Maryland congressman John Delaney why he’s even bothering to run for president.

During the night, Delaney frequently criticized policies advanced by Warren, calling ideas like Medicare for All “impossible promises” and “more free stuff.” He later said that Democrats need “real solutions, not impossible promises” to win, and called Warren’s policy positions “fairy tale economics.”

Asked for a response by moderator Jake Tapper, Warren said: “I don’t understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running for president of the United States just to talk about what we really can’t do and shouldn’t fight for,” she said. “I don’t get it.” The line was met with some of the biggest applause of the night.

Delaney didn’t respond to Warren’s rhetorical question, but continued to press using examples such as Social Security and Medicare, while she continued her criticism of private health insurance.

The first night of CNN’s Democratic presidential debates took place in Detroit on Tuesday. Along with Warren, Sanders, and Delaney, other candidates included Marianne Williamson, Tim Ryan, Amy Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg, Beto O’Rourke, John Hickenlooper, and Steve Bullock.

The second debate, also held in Detroit, happens Wednesday night beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET.

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