12 biggest takeaways from the first of two 2020 Democratic presidential debates in Detroit

Trump and the Republican party more generally have taken to the strategy of attempting to paint the Democratic party as aligned with socialism.

With self-declared Democratic socialist Sanders among the top candidates and the growing influence of young progressives like "the Squad" in Congress, the GOP seemingly feels this is a strong strategy in terms of undermining their opponents for 2020.

Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy during the debate sent a tweet that's emblematic of this strategy, stating, "It's clear —> We are now in a battle over the ideology of America. It's about socialism vs. freedom. The future of our country is at stake."

But the truth is Democrats are deeply divided ideologically, which was evident on the debate stage, and none of the candidates have advocated for full-blown socialism. This hasn't stopped Republicans from continuing this narrative.

Buttigieg highlighted this during the debate, stating, "If we embrace a far-left agenda, [Republicans are] going to say that we're a bunch of crazy socialists. If we embrace a conservative agenda ... they're going to say we're a bunch of crazy socialists."

Mayor Pete Buttigieg: "If we embrace a far-left agenda, [Republicans are] going to say that we're a bunch of crazy socialists. If we embrace a conservative agenda... they're going to say we're a bunch of crazy socialists." #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate pic.twitter.com/JPwiqTrGIC

The Vermont senator's 2020 campaign started off strong and he was crushing the competition in fundraising and polling early on. But after former Vice President Joe Biden hopped in the race in April, Sanders' campaign started flatlining and he's been dropping in the polls since.

Meanwhile, Buttigieg outraised him in the second quarter.

Long story short, Sanders needed to perform well in Detroit to breathe some life into his campaign, and he refused to back down when attacked on various issues.

Sanders had the most to lose in this debate, and he appeared to be aware of that.

“You don’t know that,” Rep. Tim Ryan tells Sen. Bernie Sanders when Sanders says “Medicare For All” will provide union members with better health coverage.

Sanders responds: “I do know that — I wrote the damn bill.” https://t.co/eLVyIAvatR #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/sjDMx6dnG5

There appears to be a growing divide among Democrats on the issue of immigration.

Warren was attacked after supporting the decriminalization of illegal border crossings, and sparred with Bullock and Ryan.

"The truth is, immigrants seeking refuge in our country aren't a threat to national security. It's time to end this draconian policy and return to treating immigration as a civil — not a criminal — issue," Warren said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Tim Ryan said, "If you want to come into this country, you should at least ring the doorbell."

And Bullock contended Warren is "playing into Donald Trump's hands," as the president has said Democrats want "open borders."

A number of the questions on Tuesday night focused on Sanders' proposals, opening the door for candidates to criticize the Vermont senator.

At one point, Sanders accused Jake Tapper of using a Republican talking point when he asked each candidate if they would support raising taxes on the middle class to pay for universal health care, or Medicare for All.

Bernie Sanders works the moderators: "Jake, your question is a Republican talking point. Any by the way, the health care industry will be advertising tonight on this program." pic.twitter.com/SmQIw7oFYG

"Sure I do, I've got a great chance," John Delaney says after a reporter tells him that he doesn't seem to have a chance of winning the Democratic primary.

"I have no plan to drop out," he adds https://t.co/HeIigQY35x #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/oBJSVlobHs

'I don't understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running for President of the United States just to talk about what we really can't do and shouldn't fight for. I don't get it," Warren said in a rebuke of Delaney, who sought to present her proposals as unrealistic.

John Delaney: "Democrats win when we run on real solutions, not impossible promises... not fairy tale economics."

Sen. Elizabeth Warren: "I don't understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running... to talk about what we really can't do & shouldn't fight for." #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/An0q49tKXf

Marianne Williamson: "If you think any of this wonkiness is going to deal with this dark psychic force of the collectivized hatred that this president is bringing up in this country, then I'm afraid that the Democrats are going to see some very dark days." pic.twitter.com/KrLWqdOvcK

Racism, a topic that's at the forefront of many voters' minds, was discussed at length on Tuesday night.

In particular, the candidates got into where they stand on the issue of reparations for the descendants of slaves.

O'Rourke, for example, expressed support for a bill that would establish a commission to study the issue of reparations so that "we can have the national conversation we've waited too long in this country to have."

"The legacy of slavery and segregation and Jim Crow and suppression is alive and well in every aspect of the economy and the country today," O'Rourke said.

Williamson also spoke about reparations, describing it as a "a debt that is owed."

Williamson: I am calling for up to $500 billion in slavery reparations, "a debt that is owed" #DemDebate https://t.co/dl9zy3QskF pic.twitter.com/fo6sRjthMH

Buttigieg says he will withdraw all US service members from Afghanistan within the first year of his presidency if he is elected #DemDebate https://t.co/OWYy8mgjwW pic.twitter.com/ojFypwoPl3

"Donald Trump disgraces the office of president every single day, and anyone on this stage tonight or tomorrow night would be a far better president," Warren said in her opening statement, capturing a broader theme that resonated throughout the night.

"Our problems did not start with Donald Trump. Donald Trump is part of a corrupt, rigged system that has helped the wealthy and the well connected and kicked dirt in the faces of everyone else," she added.