Ten Democrats took the stage tonight in Detroit for the first night of CNN's debate.

Here's a look at some of the candidates who performed the best:

Bernie Sanders : The Vermont senator clearly got the message that he wasn't lively or active enough in the first debate of the cycle. He came out feisty — and stayed that way.

: The Vermont senator clearly got the message that he wasn't lively or active enough in the first debate of the cycle. He came out feisty — and stayed that way. Steve Bullock : The Montana governor, to his immense credit, understood that this debate was his one big chance to make an impression with voters. Bullock went for it — from his opening statement on.

: The Montana governor, to his immense credit, understood that this debate was his one big chance to make an impression with voters. Bullock went for it — from his opening statement on. Pete Buttigieg : As in the first debate, the South Bend, Indiana mayor played it (relatively) safe. But unlike the first debate, there was a clear message: I am young, yes, but the older people on stage with me haven't fixed any of these problems, so it's time for something different.

: As in the first debate, the South Bend, Indiana mayor played it (relatively) safe. But unlike the first debate, there was a clear message: I am young, yes, but the older people on stage with me haven't fixed any of these problems, so it's time for something different. John Delaney : Before this debate, no one knew who Delaney was or what he believed. If you watched this debate, both of those questions were answered.

: Before this debate, no one knew who Delaney was or what he believed. If you watched this debate, both of those questions were answered. Elizabeth Warren: Her retort to Delaney was the line of the night — and encapsulates for a lot of Democrats why it's so important to nominate someone who is willing to take on big fights, unapologetically.

And here are a few of the Democrats who didn't fare as well: