As the primaries inch closer and closer, election season is in full swing. On Jan. 17, Youtube partnered with NBC to stream the third Democratic Debate.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley went head to head in hopes of gaining traction in the upcoming election. The biggest competition of the night, however, was between Clinton and Sanders. Fireworks were aplenty as  both candidates are seeking to gain the popular vote in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries.

In their opening statements, all three candidates gave mention to Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. given the fact that the debate occurred on the eve of Martin Luther King Day. Sanders gave the most intense opening remark, stating that a “political revolution” was necessary for the welfare of America.

When asked what each candidate would do in their first 100 days in office, Sanders reassured that he is about “thinking big.” He emphasized his beliefs that every citizen should have equal access to health care, while also mentioning his idea of raising the minimum wage.

Clinton took a different approach and instead focused on her plan to create more “good jobs” for the American people. She also took the opportunity to embrace the feminism that has been prominent within her campaign to say that she aims to finally achieve equal pay between men and women.

Clinton wrapped up by bringing awareness to the division within the nation, while giving mention to her plans of unifying the country. O’Malley, who has remained the underdog in the democratic race, enthusiastically shared his plans, as well. He offered similar plans to Clinton and Sanders, stating that he intends to raise the minimum wage and eliminate the gender gap. O’Malley differed from the other candidates by sharing his plans for immigration and city reform.

The biggest issue of the night was over gun control, which has, thus far, been a prominent topic within the presidential race. Clinton and Sanders took the chance to reveal their opponent’s legislative history regarding gun control. While they feuded, O’Malley seized the opportunity to disclose his clean track record when it comes to gun control. He mentioned the wave of legislation that banned assault weapons and gave universal background checks in Maryland.

Another significant topic within the debate was health care. Sanders has previously mentioned his discontent with the American health care system. He revealed that he wants to keep the Affordable Care Act in tact, but continue to expand on it. Similarly, O’Malley said he, too, would like to build on the Affordable Care Act and continue to make healthcare more readily accessible to the American people.

In regards to foreign policy, Clinton revealed that she has a “three-point plan” when it comes to facing the ongoing threat from Syria and ISIS. Her plan does not involve stationing troops on the ground, but does include air coalition, supporting ground fighters, and interrupting the financial supply going to militant groups. Sanders stated that America must be cautious, given the lengthy war in Iraq. Therefore, Senator Sanders called for Muslim troops with the support of America and other allied countries behind them.

Towards the end of the debate, Clinton was asked what the duties of her husband and former President Bill Clinton would be. With a smile on her face, she said, “It will start at the kitchen table.”

While the primaries are still a few weeks away, the candidates took this debate as an opportunity to make their final impression on America, and they can only hope it was enough to score the democratic nomination.