Democratic town hall as it happened: Clinton and Sanders face voters' questions in New Hampshire
- The remaining two candidates for the Democratic Party participated in a last-minute New Hampshire town hall event hosted by CNN , less than a week before the state's primary on 9 February.
- CNN's Anderson Cooper moderated the two-hour event from Derry, New Hampshire.
- The next Democratic debate will be broadcast on 11 February from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Wisconsin. The PBS-hosted event will be moderated by Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff and will air after the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary.
That's a wrap for the Democratic town hall forum in New Hampshire. There were a number of key topics discussed tonight, with Secretary Clinton getting a variety of never-discussed issues. Sanders may be leading in the Granite State, but it seemed Clinton was better prepared for all the questions thrown her way.
The two candidates will continue to campaign throughout the state before the primary on 9 February. Thanks for joining us tonight!
"If your mom was around today, what advice do you think she'd give you?"
Clinton says she'd be very supportive and that she would probably listening to the comments made about her daughter.
In her closing statements, Clinton says that although she does not expect to win in New Hampshire, she will continue to campaign throughout the state. "I love campaigning in NH. I love this process," she says. After asking for voters' support, Clinton adds: "I will fight for you every day in the White House!"
Rabbi Johnathan Spira-Savett asks a question about ego and humility: "How do you cultivate the ego necessary to be President and integrate humility as well?"
Clinton says its important to be "self-conscious". She says that she struggles to find a balance between ego and humility, adding she gets a scripture passage every morning, which helps keep her "grounded".
Jim Kinhan, a cancer patient, asks: "What leadership will you provide to advance respectful conversation about end-of-life choices?"
Clinton thanks Kinhan for participating. Says it is "crucial" issue that everyone needs to consider. Clinton adds that she would want to immerse herself in the ethical writings, scientific/medical writings to better understand the issue.
"Are there any issues beyond abortion you'd consider applying as a litmus test for Supreme Court nominees?" asks high school English teacher Dave Scanell. Clinton says the country has to protect abortion and marriage equality, but says more needs to be done. "I am looking for people rooted in the real world," Clinton adds.
Clinton is now on stage. She discusses her win in Iowa but says New Hampshire's primary is now her focus. Says she's proud of the campaigns she and Sanders have launched.
She's asked: "Does Sanders have a point when he says you're a progressive 'some days'?" Clinton laughs at how Sanders has been seemingly deemed the gatekeeper of who is or isn't a progressive.
Raul Bernal is up next with a question about Sanders' eligibility in a general election. Sanders rails against polls and says Democrats win elections when there are larger voter turnouts. Says there is more excitement and enthusiasm in his campaign than in Clinton's campaign.
Sanders is also asked why an independent voter should chose him over Donald Trump. He notes Trump's comments against Latinos and against an increase in minimum wage. Sanders says he would love for Trump to win the GOP nomination. "I want Trump to win the Republican nomination. I would LOVE to run against him," he says.
Marjorie Smith, a Democratic state representative, asks: "How do you plan to work with Congress to bring the nation closer to achieving a more perfect union?"
Sanders says he has a history of being able to work with Republicans when there is "common ground". However, he notes it is his belief that the current Congress is more concerned with working for the wealthy instead of everyone else.
Gabrielle Greaves, a university student, asks Sanders about police brutality. Sanders gives an answer he has given before regarding policing in the US. He says that while he supports law enforcement, he believes that police officers that break the law should face the consequences. He also calls for the demilitarization of police departments, says that police departments must look like the communities they serve and believes the country should rethink the use of lethal force.
Denise Spenard, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor, is up next with a question on terrorism. "In my view, we must first destroy Isis," Sanders says. Calls for "on the ground, Muslim troops" and a global coalition. He also calls for better intelligence communications between countries and says he supports a better screening process for those entering the country. However, he notes he supports accepting Syrian refugees. He ends by thanking Spenard for her courage.
Next question comes from Jason Telerski, an IT manager, who says he's a Sanders supporter. Telerski asks Sanders how he will engage with a broader group of voters and show he understands their point of view.
Sanders says his campaign is actively reaching out to the African American and Latino communities. He says no one will fight institutional racism, mass incarceration and police brutality more than he will if he's elected.
"My spirituality is that we're all in this together," Sanders says when asked about religion.
First question comes from Chris Brownell, who asks about Sanders' plan to raise taxes while noting he supports his family on just $41K. Sanders says that while taxes will rise under his proposals, all Americans would receive universal healthcare. "You'll pay a little more, but your private health insurance premiums will disappear," he promises.
And the town hall begins in the first-in-the-nation primary state. The event will be particularly crucial for the Iowa Caucus winner. Clinton is not expected to win New Hampshire, but the town hall will provide her an opportunity to gain some votes in the Granite State and even reach voters in other states.
Up first: Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders
The CNN-hosted town hall in Derry, New Hampshire is set to begin in less than an hour. The event will feature the two last remaining Democratic presidential candidates: Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Recent polls show Sanders leading Clinton by double digits in the Granite State. But how exactly big is the Vermont senator's lead?
- UMass/7News: Sanders 61%, Clinton 32%
- ARG: Sanders 49%, Clinton 43%
- Boston Herald/FPU: Sanders 57%, Clinton 37%
- CNN/WMUR: Sanders 61%, Clinton 30%
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