The first debate of the 2020 election cycle is in the books, and aside from a hot mic incident that embarrassed the NBC moderators, no one had any major gaffes or blow-ups. Amid discussions of immigration, health care, climate change and other issues, no one had what was clearly a breakout moment either. It was hard to see any clip going particularly viral, which can boost fundraising as it elevates a candidate’s national profile.

Here are some takeaways:

A Level Field

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has a clear lead in polls over the other nine people on stage with her tonight. But the two-hour debate didn’t feel like it was Ms. Warren on one level and everyone else on another. Some of the long-shot candidates had strong moments, with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard stressing her anti-war stance, former Rep. John Delaney defending private insurance, former HUD secretary Julian Castro highlighting immigration policy and Mayor Bill de Blasio emphasized his progressive chops in America's most populous city.

Ignoring Joe Biden

Former Vice President Joe Biden, on stage tomorrow, leads every poll by a comfortable margin, but none of the candidates tonight uttered his name. Several participants, including former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, made what could be veiled references to the 76-year-old, saying things like “it’s time for a new generation.” Some said they support federal funding for abortions, an issue where Mr. Biden has toggled back and forth. To engage or not engage with Mr. Biden becomes a top question for the nine debaters on stage with him tomorrow, a group that includes three other consistent poll leaders.

Keeping Private Insurance

With improving health care coverage a major issue on the minds of most Americans, according to polls, it came as somewhat of a surprise that only Ms. Warren and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio raised their hands when all the candidates were asked who supports scrapping the private insurance system.

Climate Threat

Climate change made a prominent appearance, but not in the way many were expecting. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee was given a chance to tout his climate record, but the Green New Deal backed by many liberal Democrats got nary a mention. Instead, environmental issues came center stage when candidates were asked about the biggest geopolitical threats to America.

Four of the 10 cited climate change -- former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, Sen. Warren, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and former HUD secretary Julian Castro. "The existential threat is climate change," said Mr. O'Rourke. "We are have to confront it before it's too late.

As for Mr. Inslee? He said "Donald Trump."