Joe Biden Joe BidenPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Hillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Fox News poll: Biden ahead of Trump in Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio MORE remained conspicuously absent from the first night of the Democratic presidential primary debates as candidates declined to name the 2020 front-runner.

Many had speculated in the run-up to Wednesday night's debate whether the 10 candidates who appeared onstage would take the opportunity to try to knock Biden.

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The former vice president has grappled with mounting criticism in recent days over comments he made last week praising his ability to work with two segregationist senators during his time in Congress.

Still, candidates instead opted to keep the debate's focus between those in the room — and President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE — over a slate of policies ranging from health care to immigration.

Biden's campaign notably followed along closely with the event, tweeting several times in tandem with the moderators’ questions.

“Let’s be clear: We shouldn’t tear the Affordable Care Act down. We should build on it. The Biden Administration will give every American the right to choose a public option like Medicare to ensure everyone has access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve. #demdebate,” the campaign tweeted after a question was asked about health care.

Let’s be clear: We shouldn’t tear the Affordable Care Act down. We should build on it.



The Biden Administration will give every American the right to choose a public option like Medicare to ensure everyone has access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve.#demdebate — Team Joe (@TeamJoe) June 26, 2019

Biden is expected to take more hits when he takes center stage Thursday night for the second round of the presidential primary debates. He will appear next to Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Bernie Sanders: 'This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome MORE (I-Vt.), who has been his most vocal critic among their fellow 2020 candidates as he tries to surpass the former vice president.