Democratic debate result: Kamala Harris comes off above the 'food fight' as Biden and Sanders disappoint

California senator was the clear winner across the entire 20 candidates over the two nights

The second Democrat debate on the road to the 2020 presidential election was much more combative than the first debate on Wednesday.

The candidates taking part tonight were Marianne Williamson, John Hickenlooper​, Andrew Yang, Pete Buttigieg​, Joe Biden​, Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, Michael Bennet and Eric Swalwell.

The debate produced a number of powerful moments, particularly from one candidate.

Here are the winners and losers.

Winners

Kamala Harris

The California senator needed a strong performance to truly catapult her into the conversation about the likely next Democrat nominee - she got one.

Taking on Mr Biden over his comments about race and his record in dealing with segregationist politicians was the stand out moment of either debate. Another line about voters not "wanting a food fight" also resonated.

Ms Harris sounded presidential, and a quip about the president holding a microphone in "her hand" was slick. Backed up by an impressive social media presence, this was a campaign kicking into gear.

There are issues over her support for abolishing the private insurance industry during the debate, which runs counter to some previous comments - but overall the clear winner. That includes both nights.

Pete Buttigieg

Lost out to Ms Harris overall, but did enough to make sure he stood out.

Questions over a police officer-involved shooting in his hometown of South Bend, Indiana - which has sparked outrage in the local African-American community - were rehearsed and will not convince many. However he spoke convincingly on a number of topics.

He spoke about why Democrats should not cede religion to Republicans in a powerful way and also managed to hit out at President Trump without sounding too desperate.

The mayor has plenty of political talent and the debate let it show. He sounded like he had been in Congress for a while which will help his prospects.

Kirsten Gillibrand/Michael Bennet

The New York senator just about squeaked a win.

A frustrating first half of the debate left Ms Gillibrand visibly frustrated - but broke through with her defence of abortion rights. That moment will probably be enough to give her a lift in the polls.

The same could be said for Colorado senator Michael Bennet. While he was the least searched-for candidate during the debate according to Google, he spoke well for six minutes (about the same as Ms Gillibrand) and certainly increased his profile.

Losers

Joe Biden

The former vice president fell into the trap that Elizabeth Warren managed to avoid the previous night - that the frontrunner in any race is likely only going to lose ground at a debate.

Mr Biden started strongly, dominating the debate with Bernie Sanders and Ms Harris, but grew more subdued as the two hours wore on.

While not every candidate decided to take pot shots at Barack Obama's former administrative partner, Ms Harris' attack left him exposed.

The only lines that won extended applause were those that mentioned Mr Obama and Mr Biden relied on them a lot.

Has the talking points, and certainly had the air time, but it was a shaky start.

Bernie Sanders

The Vermont senator was solid, but unspectacular.

Being used to debating one establishment candidate in 2016, the plurality of views around him meant his message is not as powerful as it was from such a stage.

His repetition of his healthcare promises and his "revolution" mantra made him sound a step behind, not a step ahead.

His worst moment? Moderator Rachel Maddow read him a quote of his about guns. Mr Sanders responded: "That's a mischaracterisation." Ms Maddow retorted: "It's a quote of yours." The audience laughed. Ouch.

Andrew Yang

The entrepreneur had the lowest speaking time of any candidate, slightly more than two and a half minutes.

Many of his fans thought it would be a break-out moment for him, about the dangers of technology and the business nouse he would bring to the White House.

He had his points rehearsed well, but they sounded wooden.

In a debate that featured a number of heavy-hitters, Mr Yang struggled to get his message out.

Marianne Williamson

The author and spiritual adviser gave an emotional performance and was the most-searched candidate during the debate according to Google.

However, those seeking her out will likely not all be doing so for her platform.

She made few concrete points and struggled to adapt to the debate stage.