Winners and losers from the second night of the CNN debate Chris Cillizza
By Will LeRoy — CNN — Aug 1 2019
*Cory Booker: The New Jersey senator had a very good debate. Aside from his dumb derision directed at so-called "Republican talking points" (more on that later), Booker was a happy warrior — balancing attacks (primarily against former Vice President Joe Biden) with an optimistic demeanor. Booker spoke powerfully about criminal justice reform and immigration. And he made a very good point when he noted that Biden was trying to have it both ways when it came to former President Barack Obama — taking credit when it works for him and distancing himself from the Obama legacy when that is more politically convenient. Booker has considerable natural gifts as a candidate — and they shone through on Wednesday night.