The first 2016 Democratic presidential debate had equal parts humor and substance when it came to small business issues.
While the first Democratic debate offered a chance for the five contenders to edge out the competition, it quickly became clear that Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders stole the spotlight. Although, the Internet, as it will, was also a clear winner. Memes spread of Hillary saying “no.” There was uproar over the “damn emails.” And—of course—Republican candidate Donald Trump couldn’t stay out of the mix.
Yet just as many pertinent small business issues were also in focus: minimum wage, healthcare, workplace regulations and more. With much to sift through—not only last night, but throughout the election cycle—NFIB has helped to analyze the campaign trail and what it all means for small business.
NFIB MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: Sign up for a chance to talk with presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle. Not an NFIB member? Join today to participate in these Presidential TeleForum calls—and potentially save thousands of dollars on member discounts.
For more of what happened at the first debate, here’s a look into how Twitter reacted.
Small business is the backbone of this country. Lift people out of poverty rather than perpetuate the cycle #FreeMarkets #DemocraticDebate
— Sarah Aimad (@SarahAimad) October 14, 2015
And where does Obamacare fit in this small business success discussion? #DemocraticDebate #DemDebate
— Ward Carroll (@wardcarroll) October 14, 2015
#Hillary trying hard to sell herself as “one of the people”. Grandpa was factory worker, father a small biz owner. #DemocraticDebate #2016
— Ashley Intartaglia (@aintarta) October 14, 2015
.@HillaryClinton on support for small business and entrepreneurs: “From time to time we have to save capitalism from itself.” #DemDebate
— Paul Begala (@PaulBegala) October 14, 2015
On the fence about Bernie. He seems like he cares about people, but I feel like he’s going to kill my small business. #DemDebate
— Philip DeFranco (@PhillyD) October 14, 2015
The most predictable absence from the #DemDebate? Small business. Two passing mentions. Nothing on tax reform. https://t.co/H0qorPe38p
— Michael Duncan (@MichaelDuncan) October 14, 2015
#Denmark is star of Democratic debate! Bernie and Hillary argue about virtues of capitalism!! “Casino capitalism” v. small business.
— Howard Fineman (@howardfineman) October 14, 2015
No Burden on small biz? Obamacare alone has been THE biggest burden. So are you for repealing it @HillaryClinton ? #DemDebate
— Alex Meluskey (@AlexMeluskey) October 14, 2015
I cannot take anyone seriously who says they want to support #smallbiz & also supports min wage raise, Obamacare, etc. #DemDebate
— Carol Roth (@caroljsroth) October 14, 2015
The Media’s Take
So glad @BernieSanders & @HillaryClinton agree, #smallbiz is essential to the US economy #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/8vheZz8bBY
— NFIB (@NFIB) October 14, 2015
How much time each candidate spoke for during the #DemDebate http://t.co/FLxjxpOj6O pic.twitter.com/fikjvwQSWX
— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 14, 2015
Who spoke the most? How did the crowd react? Explore the numbers from the first #demdebate http://t.co/sL6QQo5GOe pic.twitter.com/PEe2xcMgCh
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 14, 2015
Democratic debate: Fact-checking the candidates http://t.co/oqmIzoS39K
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) October 14, 2015
Democratic debate shows a party moving leftward http://t.co/nzjIRJgAgf
— Al Jazeera America (@ajam) October 14, 2015
Room for Joe? #Clinton debate performance leaves doubt #Biden still has time to jump in | http://t.co/S3ywKd6T3Q pic.twitter.com/keSJJucmcO
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 14, 2015
The $18 trillion problem the Democrats missed during the debate http://t.co/KFrKa4JLUC #FortuneInsider pic.twitter.com/ywrBpGvOuY
— Fortune (@FortuneMagazine) October 14, 2015
What’s it going to look like at $15/hour? #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/PBhffQ5DQj
— NFIB (@NFIB) October 14, 2015