Bernie Sanders Returns to Iowa for Second Presidential Debate (and he's practicing!)
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After marching in a Veterans Day parade Wednesday in Lebanon, N.H., Sanders holed up in Burlington Thursday to prepare for the debate, according to senior adviser Tad Devine. He reluctantly participated in debate rehearsals, Devine said, with chief of staff Michaeleen Crowell standing in for former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and consultant Mark Longabaugh playing former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley.
"You know Bernie. He's not a guy to sit around and want to sort of playact this thing," Devine said. "I think he'd be happier to go out and campaign, as opposed to this. But he also understands there's a lot of people watching this. It's a big moment in the campaign."
Indeed, the Saturday night debate at Drake University is Sanders last chance to engage Clinton directly before the holiday season begins and potential voters tune out. The Democratic candidates next encounter, in Manchester, N.H., is scheduled for six days before Christmas.
http://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2015/11/13/sanders-prepares-for-iowa-debate-a-big-moment-in-presidential-race