Joe Biden Wins by Not Losing as Rivals Struggle to Take Him Down

  • Rivals change course after attacks in second debate backfired
  • Warren and others land strong moments without upending contest
Biden explains how the U.S. should approach trade concerns with China.Source: Bloomberg
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Rivals eager to dislodge Joe Biden from his front-runner’s perch tried attacking him in last month’s debate and going easy on him in Thursday’s debate. Neither worked.

The night in Houston highlighted a puzzle that has vexed 2020 hopefuls — how to knock Biden off his game. Frequent gaffes haven’t hurt him. His 76 years haven’t stopped him -- and on Thursday, it was Bernie Sanders, 78, who was hoarse and hunched. His checkered history on race hasn’t sunk him.