Yangmentum? Eyes on Schenectadian at Democratic Debate

Many neutral observers will be watching to see if Schenectady’s Andrew Yang is able to pick up momentum in tonight’s third Democratic presidential primary debate. Yang has already beat early expectations by qualifying for tonight’s debate, something which better known politicians, including Albany’s Kirsten Gillibrand, were unable to pull off.

While Yang has impressed many with successful media appearances, particularly those in unconventional settings, he has languished when it comes to getting his message out in the first two debates, finishing dead last of 20 candidates in speaking time at both events.

In June’s event, Yang spoke only 594 words, less than a 6th of the number spoken by Joe Biden, and nearly 300 behind 19th place Jay Inslee. Particularly troublesome was that none of Yang’s 594 words were particularly memorable.

Yang improved in quality if not quantity in time for the July debate, appearing more comfortable and having more success in pushing his unique message. While it was hardly impressive to see Yang fall back on his “the opposite of Donald Trump is an Asian man who likes math” line, it was successful in introducing Yang to audience members who have not heard his podcast appearances or seen his social media posts.

Going into tonight, Yang sits in a respectable 6th place, giving him podium placement just off the center of the stage, with Kamala Harris to his left and Beto O’Rourke to the right. If he performs well tonight, a move to the middle of the stage could be in Yang’s future...