It would be an exaggeration to say that the Democratic primary race is entirely about health care, but only a little bit of one. The standout moment from the first evening was Elizabeth Warren’s vociferous defense of eliminating private insurance companies, and much of the first half of last night’s debate was consumed with the issue as well. The candidates onstage were eager to recommend their plans and elaborate on their differences: Perhaps more than any other issue, this was one on which the different policy ideas in play were clear. Democrats were offering voters choices.

That health care would play such a prominent role in the Democratic primary race is hardly surprising, given its role in last year’s midterm election. Exit polls found that health care was the top issue for voters, and even the Republican leadership in the House has seemingly blamed midterm losses on the issue.

Health care, in other words, may have decided the midterm, and is certain to play a pivotal role in the primary. And next year, it could play a pivotal role in the general election, too. But will it help or hurt the Democratic candidate?

In one sense, it offers Democrats an advantage. The party is far more engaged with the details of health care policy, and far more willing to promise to extend coverage to those who don’t have it. The debate over the last two nights has not been about whether to expand health coverage, but by how much, and by what policy mechanism.