Post debate analyst Eric Koch was the communications director for former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, the first Latina ever to hold the powerful position. He has also worked for several state and federal campaigns. Koch, currently a top political operative at Precision Strategies, rated the 10 Democratic candidates on their performance in the second debate. “Sen. Kamala Harris won the debate with an electric performance and scored with the kind of debate moment candidates dream of,” Koch said. “Her passionate exchange with Vice President Biden was the most powerful part of the debate and is going to be replayed over and over.” And that was just part of the reason Biden was the night’s biggest loser. But it was also a break-out night for South bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “This was the largest stage Mayor Pete has ever been on and he rose to the moment and passed a major test,” Koch said. “This helps build his case that a small-city mayor belongs in this competition. I think after two nights of debates, it’s clear who the major Democratic candidates are, and primary voters are going to want to see them on one stage. From here on out, it’s only going to be harder for lower-tier candidates to break out.”

Spiritual guru Marianne Williamson:

Trending: Down

There were a lot of serious people on the stage tonight. She was not one of them.

Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper:

Trending: Down

Largely absent from the debate. What time he got was largely spent jabbing at other Democrats, which is not how you win a primary.

Former tech exec Andrew Yang:

Trending: Sideways

The format is tough because explaining his platform — a guaranteed income for all — is hard to do in a sound bite. He didn’t have a good one ready.

South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg:

Trending: Up

The small-city mayor passed a major test. He scored big with his answer on Republican hypocrisy on faith and immigration and he showed uncommon vulnerability with his contrition on the recent South Bend police shooting.

Former Vice President Joe Biden:

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As expected, he closely linked himself to his tenure as President Barack Obama’s veep and regularly pivoted to it in tough moments. His exchange with Harris over busing was a true viral moment and he was put squarely on the defensive.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders:

Trending: Sideways

He has his message and he hit it when the debate came to him. But the longtime Democratic socialist didn’t have a moment.

California Sen. Kamala Harris:

Trending: Up

She had a tremendous debate and her answer on race and busing was an exceptionally powerful moment. She was clear, precise and passionate.

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand:

Trending: Sideways

Managed to score a moment when she talked about standing up for women in the Oval Office but was a nonfactor for much of the debate.

Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet:

Trending: Sideways

Was on the stage, but you probably didn’t notice for much of the debate.

California Rep. Eric Swalwell:

Trending: Sideways

His attempts to hit Biden over his age early on fell flat, but he got a shot at redemption when the debate at the end turned to his major issue: gun violence.