Democrats Meet in Iowa for Final Debate Before the Caucuses

Hillary Clinton speaking with Jorge Ramos, the moderator, at the Iowa Brown & Black Forum at Drake University this month. Max Whittaker for The New York Times

The two-hour event, hosted by CNN, will be the last chance to see the three Democratic presidential candidates alongside one another before votes are cast.Hillary Clinton, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Martin O’Malleywill field questions as the primary race has become contentious. 

Mr. Sanders has said that Mrs. Clinton lacks enthusiasm (with the implicit contrast being that he has it). Mrs. Clinton has continued presenting herself as a pragmatist. Both packed events into their schedules over the weekend in an effort to demonstrate stamina and excitement. 

The candidates found themselves answering questions about Michael R. Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor who is considering a presidential run of his own as an independent, with the most likely scenario being if Mr. Sanders and a candidate like Donald J. Trump or Senator Ted Cruz of Texas win their parties’ nominations