but our country is in a time of crisis. the time for small ideas is over. >> this president really could win again. he wins if we look like washington. and so the riskiest thing we could do is try too hard to play it safe. >> joining me now democratic strategist paul mcgala and alexander rojas, both are cnn political commentators. so, paul, this was a shift where all of a sudden the other candidates at least a few of them are talking fairly directly, very thinly veiled about joe biden. why? >> because they're trying to differentiate themself with the front runner. the saying in nascar, rubbing is racing. i don't have any problem whatsoever. we say the most epic clash between hillary and barack produced a stronger nominee. i have a high degree of