Last Wednesday, Fulton Ale House was packed once again for night two of the second Democratic Debate. The turn out for night two, a mix of LID members and newcomers, was even larger than it was for night one, when more than 60 Brooklynites turned out to watch.

Council Member Antonio Reynoso joined the crowd for the debate and the LID meeting beforehand at Brooklyn Community Pride Center. “I always saw LID as a partnership organization,” he said, taking a moment to speak at the meeting. “I try my best to be as supportive as I can to the Brooklyn Community Pride Center and the work they do, so I’m happy you guys are here.”

In addition to Council Member Reynoso, Jesse Pierce, an openly queer candidate for District Leader, made an appearance and pitched her vision of a transparent Kings County Democratic Party.

Judging from the audience response to the debate, there were no clear winners on night two, though Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senator Kamala Harris elicited more enthusiasm than others.

The night was marked by a rematch between Harris and former Vice President Joe Biden, who wavered at times and invoked his close relationship with President Obama. Harris in turn faced attacks from Hawaii Senator Tulsi Gabbard, and Biden was also flanked by digs from New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

The debate was a stark contrast to night one, in which Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders were the crowd favorites. The two Senators refrained from attacking each other - instead banding together against moderates Steve Bullock and John Delaney. Author Marianne Williamson garnered an enthusiastic response from her comments.

On night one, long-time LID members Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon and District Leader Josue Pierre were part of the crowd. “Moderators should have given them more time on substantive issues,” Simon mentioned after the broadcast.

LID debate watch events are open to the public, members and non-members alike. To become an LID member, visit LIDBK.com/join