Report Card: Confident Sanders Stands Toe-to-Toe With Clinton

In the final televised face-off before the voting for the Democratic presidential nomination kicks off in Iowa, Bernie Sanders rode a powerful wave of growing confidence, rising poll numbers, and accumulated debate experience to his best performance yet. Facing off against Hillary Clinton, and placed directly in the spotlight more than ever, Sanders’ improvement manifested itself all night, winning him more good moments overall than both Clinton and Martin O’Malley. After this event, Sanders will likely head into the homestretch fired up.

Far more assured and comfortable than in previous debates—miles from where he started out at the first event—reflecting his gains in New Hampshire (where he’s leading) and Iowa (where he’s challenging). Employed his recently honed authoritative tone without moderating his typically intense style. Articulate, tough, on-message, and energetic, even as his voice got rougher and raspier over the course of the evening. Initially took a defensive instead of offensive role, and was more effective at pushing back on health care than on guns, but was careful to leave no charge unchallenged. Eventually became more aggressive, hitting Clinton on her Goldman Sachs ties. Helped his cause rhetorically, substantively, politically, and, perhaps most importantly, psychologically. Confidence begets confidence.