DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Hillary Rodham Clinton has been on a hot streak since the first Democratic presidential debate last month. The main question heading into Saturday’s second encounter: Can her two challengers slow down her Big Mo’?
Clinton expects to face a more direct challenge from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley in their first debate since the Democratic field has winnowed down to three candidates. Both Sanders and O’Malley have taken steps to point out their differences and the underdog ex-governor is also trying to undercut Sanders as Clinton’s main alternative.
The debate at Drake University in Des Moines comes after attacks on several sites around Paris left more than 100 people dead Friday night, a topic certain to gain attention on stage.
Sanders hopes to reach Iowans sizing up the field – especially older voters and women who favor Clinton – along with a national audience which will include the diverse coalition of black, Latino and female voters who twice backed President Barack Obama but have largely coalesced around Clinton.
Some things to look for in the two-hour debate: