First night of Democratic debates brings talk of pharma and the opioid crisis

Ten Democratic presidential candidates took to the stage last night in the first of two such debates, and health care was a top issue. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren didn't waste time diving into the topic of high drug prices and others quickly chimed in about pharma influence in D.C. “Pharma thinks they own Washington. Well, they don’t own me,” Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said. Other health care issues that came up: private versus public insurance options like “Medicare for All,” as well as abortion access. The candidates also discussed the ongoing opioid crisis, and many were in favor of holding drug companies accountable. “They should absolutely be held criminally liable because they are liable and responsible,” said New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who has been looking to shake off his pharma ties since announcing his candidacy.