In a debate devoid of any signature moments or significant rhetorical battles, Ms. Klobuchar delivered a performance designed to appeal to Democrats nervous about the party’s leftward turn and looking for an alternative.

Her hope is that there are a lot of people in Iowa — where Ms. Klobuchar has bet the future of her campaign — who are drawn to that message.

Here is a transcript of Ms. Klobuchar’s response at the debate:

KLOBUCHAR: First of all, I made very clear I think Pete is qualified to be up on this stage, and I am honored to be standing next to him. But what I said is true. Women are held to a higher standard. Otherwise we could play a game called “Name Your Favorite Woman President,” which we can’t do because it has all been men, including all vice presidents being men. And I think any working woman out there, any woman that’s at home, knows exactly what I mean. We have to work harder, and that’s a fact. But I want to dispel one thing, because for so long, why has this been happening? I don’t think you have to be the tallest person on this stage to be president. I don’t think you have to be the skinniest person. I don’t think you have to have the loudest voice on this stage. I don’t think that means you will be the one that should be president. I think what matters is if you’re smart, if you’re competent and if you get things done. I am the one that has passed over 100 bills as the lead Democrat in that gridlock of Washington in Congress on this stage. I think you’ve got to win, and I am the one, Mr. Vice President, that has been able to win every red and purple congressional district as a lead on a ticket every time. I govern both with my head and my heart. And if you think a woman can’t beat Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi does it every single day.