The media were dispirited and discouraged Tuesday night, as the Democratic presidential field turned in a "dull and plodding" debate performance. John Heilemann asked how anyone could be confident in candidates so hesitant to throw a punch, and MSNBC anchor Joe Scarborough said "nobody looked good."
Most of all, however, these journalists worried the Democratic candidates would not be able to handle facing off against President Donald Trump after such a "gentle" primary.
"How is this going to condition the ultimate nominee to take on the beast that Donald Trump is?" Heilemann asked.