Happy Friday! Welcome to our Media Round Up: Debate Edition. Each week we’re collecting and sharing our favorite gender + politics stories. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

PBS and Politico journalists are tag-teaming December’s Democratic debate

Li Zhou, Vox

Before we dive into the debate recaps from last night, it’s just as important to note what was happening behind the moderator’s desk. PBS NewsHour’s Judy Woodruff, Amna Nawaz, and Yamiche Alcindor were joined by POLITICO’s Tim Alberta, which meant there were three women – two women of color – asking the questions. This diversity of voices clearly showed in the range of questions we heard last night, which included important topics such as violence against transgender people, the lack of diversity on stage, and climate change.

You can read the full article here.

It’s Debate Time Again. Here Are The Key Moments You Need To Know.

Leora Yashari, Refinery29

If you missed the debate, don’t worry, Refinery29 has you covered with a recap of key moments from the night. From “wine caves” to “frenemies,” this debate had some interesting moments you might have to see to believe. Our favorite highlight of the night? This iconic line from Senator Elizabeth Warren:

“Senator Warren,” Tim Alberta said. “You would be the oldest president ever inaugurated.” “I would also be the youngest woman,” she quickly responded.

You can read the full article here.

Warren Notes She’d Be ‘Youngest Woman Inaugurated’ as Democrats Debate Leadership

Matt Stevens, New York Times

Speaking of that Elizabeth Warren moment, Matt Stevens breaks down the context for Warren’s memorable line, and shares the transcript of the exchange. It’s worth reading in full.

You can read the full article here.

Sanders and Biden missed a major opportunity on a debate question on gender

Li Zhou, Vox

Another exchange that stood out to us last night was the series of questions posed on gender and former President Barack Obama’s recent statement that women make better leaders, and that old men need to “get out of the way.” For Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden, this question pushed them to reckon with their own race and gender, while Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren gave more nuanced answers about who is allowed to hold power in this country.

You can read the full article here.

The women asked for forgiveness. The men tried to sell their books: How a Democratic debate moment put a spotlight on gender.

Annie Linskey, The Washington Post

And of course, who could forget the… interesting final question of the night! Candidates were asked if they would like to either give a gift or ask forgiveness from a fellow candidate. Interestingly, this final question revealed a deep-seated gender dynamic in US politics. While every male on stage picked a gift, all related to their own ideas, the two women on stage both offered forgiveness for being passionate on stage. BLFF’s Amanda Hunter explains, “Women feel like they have to apologize if they appear angry or forceful, and men get the benefit of the doubt.”

You can read the full article here.

 

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