In last night’s Democratic debate, notice was drawn to the lack of diversity on the stage — one was Andrew Yang, arguably the person of color with the best chance of winning the Democratic presidential candidate race .
But Yang — and his supporters — weren’t missing from Twitter.
The entrepreneur and former nonprofit executive was fourth-most Tweeted Democratic presidential candidate during the first presidential debate of 2020, according to Twitter Gov analytics. The Hill reported that mentions of Yang “ranked higher than several Democratic candidates onstage,” South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and billionaire Tom Steyer.
CNN commentator Van Jones said energy during the debate was lacking, calling the atmosphere a “big bowl of oatmeal.”
“I got to say, that I missed Andrew Yang tonight,” Jones said after the debate.
Jones has been an avid supporter of Yang, calling lacking and inaccurate media coverage of the candidate “unfair” and inviting him to appear on his show.
Yang’s campaign is known for his emphasis on robots and technology taking over traditional job sectors, particuarly in , as well as his universal basic income plan, or “Freedom Dividend,” to give all Americans $1,000 a month in an effort to combat income inequality. He’s been endorsed recently by comedian Dave Chappelle, as well as stepped up his efforts in campaign fundraising and staff.
In lieu of being on stage, Yang hosted a pre-debate event of his own, with 700 supporters showing up in “Yang Gang” and “MATH” campaign gear at Drake University. Supporters wished him a Happy 45th Birthday, presenting a cake and pinata for him, as he hosted a rally.
Although he appeared in the last debate, Yang failed to qualify for last night’s. Yang met the fundraising requirements, but did not hit the polling requirements.
“If the DNC had only done their due diligence and commissioned polls in the early states, Andrew Yang would certainly be on the debate stage next week. We are not going to allow the DNC to dictate who they wish to see as the nominee and deny the will of the people,” his campaign manager said in a statement before the debate.
The issues of the CNN debate included foreign policy on Iran, income inequality, gender in politics, appeal to voters, racial injustice, and impeachment. CNN hosts and reporters called it “the last debate” for the candidates to establish themselves before the Iowa caucuses, which begin in less than a month on Feb. 3.
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