Democratic debate allows one more jab before Iowa caucuses

An unusually heated clash of rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination could be the hallmark of Jan. 14 night's televised debate in Iowa.

Just six candidates are gathering in Des Moines, the smallest number yet on a debate stage. That dynamic will offer candidates more opportunities to criticize each other's proposals as well as tout their own.

But the fuel for the fire comes from the fact that it's the last debate before Iowa's leadoff caucuses, set for Feb. 3. The winner will leave Iowa with momentum for the primaries to come. State polling shows Iowa's top preference too close to call.

Some of the fiercest clashes could center on Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, fellow progressives who until now have largely avoided criticizing each other.

But Warren chastised Sanders over the weekend following a report that his campaign instructed volunteers to speak poorly of her to win over undecided voters. The tensions escalated on Jan. 13 after CNN reported Sanders told Warren in a private 2018 meeting that he didn't think a woman could win the election, a charge that Sanders vigorously denied but that Warren confirmed later on Jan. 13.

The feuding will likely expand to include nearly every candidate on stage. Sanders has recently stepped up his attacks on former Vice President Joe Biden over his past support of the Iraq War, broad free-trade agreements and entitlement reform, among other issues.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who has had several strong debates, will be looking for another opportunity to highlight her candidacy as she remains mired in the middle of the pack in polling. Billionaire Tom Steyer will have to answer criticism that he's buying his way to the White House.

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