trump an opportunity to communicate to a side of the republican base that had simply not turned out for mitt romney or for john mccain in the preceding -- in the previous elections. that being said, i don't think that the way that the democrat who's going to emerge is going to do so based on a turnout strategy. he's going to do so based on a vote-switching strategy. that's how the democrats did well in 2018. so right now i think the candidate who is going to come out of these debates on top at least in the polls isn't necessarily the one we and the media elect as the winner. it's the one who seems to be appealing to middle-of-the road democrats would want someone who's nonscary, who's familiaring and reassuring and they think can beat trump next year. >> that's why i always find iowa and new hampshire are just a little bit different than your typical political reporter. we'll just leave it there. up next, senator, kirsten gillibrand joins us. we are going to get her thoughts