The first Democratic primary debate took place last night. Voters generally like debates because it’s the only opportunity to compare the candidates directly next to each other. A candidate needs to walk into a debate knowing what his or her message is, where he or she stands on the issues and what differentiates him or her from the others. In other words, one needs a clear game plan and it seems to me that Julián Castro, for example, did just that. What is also clear is that if a candidate wants to stand out in this crowded field, such a game plan has to include going on the offense. It reminds us that publicity is about creating controversy. This is the beginning of a long primary process, but what worries me a bit observing the race so far is that Democrats will spend too much time engaging in a fight on who is the most leftist candidate instead of talking about issues that affect the bulk of the voters. “Affaire à suivre” tomorrow night.