After being on the campaign trail for weeks, Democratic presidential hopefuls finally got their chance to debate one another on a national stage.

The field was so large, however, that it had to be split up over two nights.

Ten candidates debated one another on Thursday, a night after 10 others took the same stage in Miami.

And yet some candidates were still left on the sideline. Three candidates didn't have the polling numbers to qualify for host NBC, and a fourth entered the race too late to qualify.

Harris, a US senator from California who previously served as the state's attorney general, <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-27-2019%2Fh_b381d219b33e3de6757b4feb63036316" target="_blank">confronted Biden</a> on his recent remarks in which he recalled working with two segregationist senators. She raised the issue while talking about race and recalling her own childhood.
Harris, a US senator from California who previously served as the state's attorney general, confronted Biden on his recent remarks in which he recalled working with two segregationist senators. She raised the issue while talking about race and recalling her own childhood.
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Harris speaks with guests after Thursday's debate.
Harris speaks with guests after Thursday's debate.
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Biden poses for a selfie after the debate.
Biden poses for a selfie after the debate.
Mike Segar/Reuters
NBC's Savannah Guthrie asked Thursday's candidates to raise their hands if their government plan would provide health-care coverage to undocumented immigrants. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-27-2019%2Fh_88c6bcdb276fa7b858c5073440952520" target="_blank">All of the candidates raised their hands.</a>
NBC's Savannah Guthrie asked Thursday's candidates to raise their hands if their government plan would provide health-care coverage to undocumented immigrants. All of the candidates raised their hands.
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Sanders speaks Thursday as Biden looks on. Sanders is the longest-serving independent in the history of Congress, but he caucuses with the Democratic Party. Three years ago, he was viewed as a protest candidate from the political fringe. But after an impressive showing against Hillary Clinton, he's now one of the most popular politicians among Democratic voters.
Sanders speaks Thursday as Biden looks on. Sanders is the longest-serving independent in the history of Congress, but he caucuses with the Democratic Party. Three years ago, he was viewed as a protest candidate from the political fringe. But after an impressive showing against Hillary Clinton, he's now one of the most popular politicians among Democratic voters.
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Buttigieg is seen on a monitor inside the spin room where many members of the media were set up. Buttigieg became South Bend's mayor in 2011 when he was 29 years old. From 2009 to 2017, he was an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve, and he was deployed to the war in Afghanistan in 2014.
Buttigieg is seen on a monitor inside the spin room where many members of the media were set up. Buttigieg became South Bend's mayor in 2011 when he was 29 years old. From 2009 to 2017, he was an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve, and he was deployed to the war in Afghanistan in 2014.
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Biden, center, <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-27-2019%2Fh_07c09554d7dd994336f022b7722ad23b" target="_blank">leads in national polls and in the polls of key early states</a> such as Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada. And his leads are not small: He's usually up 15 to 20 points.
Biden, center, leads in national polls and in the polls of key early states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada. And his leads are not small: He's usually up 15 to 20 points.
Mike Segar/REUTERS
Bennet watches Swalwell speak on Thursday. Swalwell, a four-term congressman from California's Bay Area, has made combating gun violence a focus for months, and he said it will be the top focus of his campaign. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-27-2019%2Fh_37e0b86709474a8520e8329c0df8e278" target="_blank">The orange ribbon on his lapel</a> was worn to honor the victims of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting last year.
Bennet watches Swalwell speak on Thursday. Swalwell, a four-term congressman from California's Bay Area, has made combating gun violence a focus for months, and he said it will be the top focus of his campaign. The orange ribbon on his lapel was worn to honor the victims of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting last year.
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The debates were held at the Arsht Center in Miami.
The debates were held at the Arsht Center in Miami.
Mike Segar/Reuters
Hickenlooper, center, served two terms as Colorado's governor and was Denver's mayor before that. He had a career as a geologist in his early years, and when he was laid off in the 1980s he found success in business by opening a large brewpub.
Hickenlooper, center, served two terms as Colorado's governor and was Denver's mayor before that. He had a career as a geologist in his early years, and when he was laid off in the 1980s he found success in business by opening a large brewpub.
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Bennet, a US senator serving his second term in Colorado, has pitched himself as a pragmatic lawmaker who has a progressive voting record and knows what it takes to win in an electorally split state.
Bennet, a US senator serving his second term in Colorado, has pitched himself as a pragmatic lawmaker who has a progressive voting record and knows what it takes to win in an electorally split state.
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The audience watches the debate on Thursday.
The audience watches the debate on Thursday.
Mike Segar/Reuters
From left, Harris, Gillibrand and Bennet all try to speak at once during an early question on Thursday.
From left, Harris, Gillibrand and Bennet all try to speak at once during an early question on Thursday.
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Williamson makes a point while Hickenlooper watches. Williamson, a best-selling author who is perhaps best known for being a spiritual counselor to Oprah Winfrey, says she's running for president to bring a "moral and spiritual awakening" for America. The Texas native ran for Congress in 2014.
Williamson makes a point while Hickenlooper watches. Williamson, a best-selling author who is perhaps best known for being a spiritual counselor to Oprah Winfrey, says she's running for president to bring a "moral and spiritual awakening" for America. The Texas native ran for Congress in 2014.
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Buttigieg and Biden talk during a break.
Buttigieg and Biden talk during a break.
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Gillibrand, a US senator from New York, rose to national prominence in recent years as a fierce critic of President Donald Trump. She's also been an advocate for women's issues and a forceful proponent of the #MeToo movement.
Gillibrand, a US senator from New York, rose to national prominence in recent years as a fierce critic of President Donald Trump. She's also been an advocate for women's issues and a forceful proponent of the #MeToo movement.
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<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-27-2019%2Fh_937a300a18896f3168ba87ce3d622dc6" target="_blank">The opening volleys of the second debate</a> offered an immediate contrast between the candidates' competing ideas about the direction of the party.
The opening volleys of the second debate offered an immediate contrast between the candidates' competing ideas about the direction of the party.
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Yang answers a question while Buttigieg looks on. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-27-2019%2Fh_cc7dd7dbb0234b00abcea7f0d23e956a" target="_blank">Yang's platform</a> includes a plan for universal basic income. He wants to give all Americans over the age of 18 $1,000 per month to address economic inequality. He argues the policy would play a key role in restructuring the modern economy to make it more equitable.
Yang answers a question while Buttigieg looks on. Yang's platform includes a plan for universal basic income. He wants to give all Americans over the age of 18 $1,000 per month to address economic inequality. He argues the policy would play a key role in restructuring the modern economy to make it more equitable.
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From left, Biden, Sanders and Harris arrive on stage for Thursday's debate.
From left, Biden, Sanders and Harris arrive on stage for Thursday's debate.
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Julian Castro, a candidate who took part in Wednesday night's debate, is seen on a television set before the start of Thursday's debate. Castro was secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the Obama administration.
Julian Castro, a candidate who took part in Wednesday night's debate, is seen on a television set before the start of Thursday's debate. Castro was secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the Obama administration.
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Ten candidates take the stage for the first debate on Wednesday. From left are New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, US Rep. Tim Ryan, Castro, US Sen. Cory Booker, US Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former US Rep. Beto O'Rourke, US Sen. Amy Klobuchar, US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and former US Rep. John Delaney.
Ten candidates take the stage for the first debate on Wednesday. From left are New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, US Rep. Tim Ryan, Castro, US Sen. Cory Booker, US Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former US Rep. Beto O'Rourke, US Sen. Amy Klobuchar, US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and former US Rep. John Delaney.
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Candidates greet each other at the end of Wednesday's debate.
Candidates greet each other at the end of Wednesday's debate.
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Booker and Klobuchar take selfies with supporters after Wednesday's debate.
Booker and Klobuchar take selfies with supporters after Wednesday's debate.
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Castro, second from left, clashed with O'Rourke, right, early in Wednesday's debate. It was by far <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-26-2019%2Fh_cb34a2de2e0ac068cc604f1965c3b41a" target="_blank">the most direct clash</a> of the first hour. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-26-2019%2Fh_4a681c71f5752541619b6cfa3eed4a88" target="_blank">Castro's goal was to poke holes in O'Rourke on immigration</a> — an issue that he has used at the center of his political identity. Both candidates are from Texas. O'Rourke is a former congressman from El Paso who rose to Democratic stardom in 2018 while challenging for the US Senate seat held by Ted Cruz. Castro was mayor of San Antonio before he became secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Castro, second from left, clashed with O'Rourke, right, early in Wednesday's debate. It was by far the most direct clash of the first hour. Castro's goal was to poke holes in O'Rourke on immigration — an issue that he has used at the center of his political identity. Both candidates are from Texas. O'Rourke is a former congressman from El Paso who rose to Democratic stardom in 2018 while challenging for the US Senate seat held by Ted Cruz. Castro was mayor of San Antonio before he became secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
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NBC moderator Chuck Todd speaks to the audience during a technical problem in Wednesday's debate. As microphone issues continued, Todd was forced to cut to a commercial break. At right is moderator Rachel Maddow.
NBC moderator Chuck Todd speaks to the audience during a technical problem in Wednesday's debate. As microphone issues continued, Todd was forced to cut to a commercial break. At right is moderator Rachel Maddow.
Mike Segar/Reuters
Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran from Hawaii, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012. She is one of six women seeking the Democratic Party's nomination.
Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran from Hawaii, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012. She is one of six women seeking the Democratic Party's nomination.
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Members of the audience watch the debate Wednesday.
Members of the audience watch the debate Wednesday.
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Ryan, from Youngstown, Ohio, has served in Congress since 2003.
Ryan, from Youngstown, Ohio, has served in Congress since 2003.
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Klobuchar gestures during NBC's technical difficulties on Wednesday. The US senator from Minnesota has cast herself as a product of working-class roots who can win bipartisan support.
Klobuchar gestures during NBC's technical difficulties on Wednesday. The US senator from Minnesota has cast herself as a product of working-class roots who can win bipartisan support.
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Warren is displayed on a monitor inside the spin room at the Arsht Center. The US senator from Masschusetts is <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-26-2019%2Fh_f7eb98576555e7400b94bb91b965b44b" target="_blank">the only candidate from Wednesday's debate who is polling above 5%.</a> She became a progressive star by taking on Wall Street after the 2007 financial crisis.
Warren is displayed on a monitor inside the spin room at the Arsht Center. The US senator from Masschusetts is the only candidate from Wednesday's debate who is polling above 5%. She became a progressive star by taking on Wall Street after the 2007 financial crisis.
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Booker, a US senator from New Jersey, rose to prominence as Newark's charismatic and ambitious mayor.
Booker, a US senator from New Jersey, rose to prominence as Newark's charismatic and ambitious mayor.
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A wide view of Wednesday's debate.
A wide view of Wednesday's debate.
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NBC's moderators during the first hour of Wednesday's debate: from left, Lester Holt, Savannah Guthrie and Jose Diaz-Balart.
NBC's moderators during the first hour of Wednesday's debate: from left, Lester Holt, Savannah Guthrie and Jose Diaz-Balart.
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John Delaney, a former congressman from Maryland, was the first Democrat to enter the 2020 presidential race. He announced his candidacy way back in July 2017.
John Delaney, a former congressman from Maryland, was the first Democrat to enter the 2020 presidential race. He announced his candidacy way back in July 2017.
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From left, Castro, Booker and Warren share a laugh during a commercial break on Wednesday.
From left, Castro, Booker and Warren share a laugh during a commercial break on Wednesday.
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Ryan, right, looks at de Blasio as the New York mayor answers a question on Wednesday.
Ryan, right, looks at de Blasio as the New York mayor answers a question on Wednesday.
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None of the candidates <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-26-2019%2Fh_163ce5a8d87984a3da47ad1591709788" target="_blank">is polling above 35% nationally.</a> Four years ago, Hillary Clinton was polling at around 60%.
None of the candidates is polling above 35% nationally. Four years ago, Hillary Clinton was polling at around 60%.
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Gabbard speaks with Inslee during a commercial break Wednesday.
Gabbard speaks with Inslee during a commercial break Wednesday.
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O'Rourke answers an early question during Wednesday's debate. During his first answer, he <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fdemocratic-debate-june-26-2019%2Fh_2806cb75711ee4cce8322dafa7049161" target="_blank">switched over to Spanish</a> for a bit. Booker and Castro also spoke some Spanish during the debate.
O'Rourke answers an early question during Wednesday's debate. During his first answer, he switched over to Spanish for a bit. Booker and Castro also spoke some Spanish during the debate.
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Inslee is serving his second term as Washington's governor. He has said his top priority is combating climate change.
Inslee is serving his second term as Washington's governor. He has said his top priority is combating climate change.
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The candidates prepare for the start of Wednesday's debate.
The candidates prepare for the start of Wednesday's debate.
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Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, speaks to the media before the start of the debate on Wednesday.
Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, speaks to the media before the start of the debate on Wednesday.
Brynn Anderson/AP
From left, Booker, Warren, O'Rourke and Klobuchar pose on stage before the start of the debate Wednesday.
From left, Booker, Warren, O'Rourke and Klobuchar pose on stage before the start of the debate Wednesday.
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Delaney takes the stage before Wednesday's debate.
Delaney takes the stage before Wednesday's debate.
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Before Wednesday's debate, Inslee gets a microphone attached to him for a television interview with MSNBC.
Before Wednesday's debate, Inslee gets a microphone attached to him for a television interview with MSNBC.
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