Alexander Vindman becomes star of Democratic debate

The star of Friday’s Democratic primary debate? Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the former National Security Council official who testified against President Trump during the House’s impeachment proceedings.

Vindman was transferred from the NSC back to the Pentagon on Friday, a decision that has been perceived as retributive by many, including many of the Democratic presidential candidates on the debate stage. Amy Klobuchar hailed Vindman as a “courageous” hero, and former Vice President Joe Biden claimed that Vindman should have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom instead of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. He then prodded the audience to give a standing ovation to show support for Vindman.