Which Democrat "won" last night's presidential town hall?

[left-of-center2012]

Five of the 19 Democratic candidates for US president appeared in a five-hour CNN town hall last night, taking questions from the audience and moderators about everything from gun safety to student debt to prisoners‘ voting rights.

As US voters sort through the crowded field, expect more group events like this one. There’s no real way to declare a “winner” of the free-wheeling town hall format, in which candidates weren’t systematically asked about the same issues.

But judging from interest shown on Google search, South Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg won the night, despite the fact that he had the latest slot, at 11pm.

https://qz.com/1602385/which-democrat-won-last-nights-presidential-town-hall/

[bearsfootball516]

1. He kinda got screwed with that time slot.

At 11 pm on the east coast, that’s too late for most people who have work in the morning, and it’s pushing it for those in Central Time.

Someone had to get that slot though, so. Bad luck.

[Celerity]

3. 8PM here in Cali, prime time.

Pete won

Warren 2nd.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Pete's late east coast time was perfect for us on the west coast!

8 pm is prime time! I very happily listened to him give great answers.

[Celerity]

4. +1

[True Dough]

5. If I'm being objective...

Warren benefited the most. Pete was #2. It did him good, but Elizabeth was really on her game (although I'm skeptical of her ability to keep some of her promises, primarily eliminating student debt).

[IndianaDave]

6. I believe they saved Pete for the last spot to keep their audience.

Ratings are everything to networks. Pete did very well, but had he been televised earlier, they would have lost their viewers. They knew what they were doing. Only Pete could have held an audience at 11 PM. He's the prime candidate.