As Biden and Sanders falter, remaining Democratic candidates should seize the independent vote now

Voters may not wish to abandon their preferences at this stage, but with the Ukraine scandal and health issues affecting the two front-runners, Warren is positioned to win them over

Unless Biden or Sanders rally, we may well see both bases defect to Elizabeth Warren (AP)

As the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump rumbles on, Democrats have been putting their game faces on for the 2020 election. Whereas many voters and strategists have previously been happy to talk about the benefits of a broad church when it comes to presidential candidates, now the tide is turning. Electability is back on the agenda – and people across the spectrum are having to accept that their favoured candidate might not be the one who makes the most sense.

On 2 October, Bernie Sanders suffered a medical emergency which everyone knew – but his team refused to confirm – was a heart attack. It was only two days later that they finally admitted he had indeed suffered one, and the response has been predictable. Many diehard Sanders supporters are now cautiously backing away. I’ve spoken to a few in the last few days who have told me that they’re still fully committed to the left-wing liberal ideas Bernie stands for, but they don’t think he’s the best one to deliver them in 2020.

Increasingly, people are turning to Elizabeth Warren for that instead. She is visibly in better health and quicker and slicker in her live debate responses. Her legendary four-hour selfie lines, if anything, are testament to her stamina.