For a change of pace, here are a few thoughts I had while watching tonight’s debate between Clinton and Sanders. These are some of my off the cuff reactions to what was said.

“We will end institutional racism.” – Sanders. Woah. In a discussion about the blind spots Sanders and Clinton have when it comes to race, this statement struck me as a poor choice. Institutional racism can’t be ended just by a Sanders presidency, and insinuating that it can seems like a racial blind spot in its own right. I’d like to see Sanders focus on making himself seem like a viable agent of change, rather than continuing to make unrealistic claims like this.

I wish Hillary would answer questions about her legislative record by owning the consequences of what she has supported. Tell me why your position made sense at the time, and tell me why your experiences since have lead you to your current stance. I’d rather have a president who has learned from their experiences, successes, and mistakes, than one who hasn’t made those mistakes.

On education: Clinton had a list of steps she would take to improve on floundering public school systems like Detroit’s and Flint’s. Sanders had a passionate statement about why we need to do a better job on education, but he lacked the substantive content of what we should do to make that happen.

Sanders just joked that Republicans are mentally ill. I don’t know if he was referring to the candidates, the voters, or both, but regardless, woah.

Hillary says Trumps bigotry won’t wear well on the American people. I think she might want to take another look at the polls and the votes cast. Sadly, I think she’s wrong there.

“Do you believe that god is relevant. Why, or why not?” What a question. Followed by: “To whom and for whom do you pray?” Watching Clinton and Sanders try to sell their godliness was kind of like watching Kasich try to talk about gay rights on the Republican stage as if he was as passionately opposed to progress as the guys around him. I loved that Sanders went right to an explanation of why morality is important, and didn’t actually talk about his relationship, or lack thereof, with god, religion, or prayer. Sidestep, sidestep, sidestep.

It’s interesting that Sanders loves to remind us that he’s never had much money, while Trump loves to remind us that he’s super wealthy. Can both of these opposite realities entice voters? Can they each only entice a certain kind of voter?

All in all, some interesting moments and I’m glad I tuned in, but nothing earth shattering was said. The general election debates will be dramatically different, and I hope the nominee is ready to handle the ugly fight ahead. Until then, it’s nice to hear some substantive, respectful, and thoughtful discussion.