7 takeaways from the Democratic debate outside Columbus, Ohio

Democrats set a world record Tuesday night, cramming a dozen presidential debaters on a single cheek-by-jowl stage.

If nothing else, the exercise proved that more isn't necessarily better - unless you enjoy hearing different candidates answer different questions, a circumscribed back-and-forth and long periods of contestants disappearing from sight.

If there is one sentiment commonly expressed by Democrats of all stripe - apart from a white-hot desire to unseat President Donald Trump - it's the chance to assess a small handful of serious presidential contenders in a way that doesn't feel like two policy-laden hours of speed dating.

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So far eight candidates, some with little to no chance of winning the nomination, have already qualified for the next debate, set for Nov. 20.

While anticipation builds, here