Elizabeth Warren, the Democratic Party presidential front-runner came under massive attack on Tuesday night as aspirants sparred on policy issues in a televised debate.
Rivals attacked her for refusing to come clear on whether as president she would raise taxes.
She was challenged on her fitness to be commander in chief and her policies.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg contended that Warren's healthcare plans run the risk of deeply dividing the country.
“We’re competing to be president for the day after Trump. Our country will be horrifyingly polarized, even more than now. After everything we’ve been through, after everything we are about to go through, this country will be even more divided,” Buttigieg said according to the Washington Post.
“Why unnecessarily divide this country over health care when there’s a better way to deliver coverage for all?” He added.
The attention on Elizabeth Warren reduced the pressure on the other 11 candidates gunning for the Democratic Party presidential ticket.
The debate which was conducted in the battleground state of Ohio was the most crowded so far, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported.
As the debates continue, the number of the candidates will be whittled down and eventually one candidate will be chosen to take on the incumbent President Donald Trump, who faces impeachment proceedings.