HOUSTON After two debates that did not feature the leading Democratic presidential candidates all on one stage, Thursdays showdown finally felt like a real debate, with establishment front-runner Joe Biden sparring with the progressive challengers close at his heels in the polls, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), as well as other moderates in the race.

The 10 candidates ditched the introductory boilerplate and dived straight into their differences on health care and the economy, executing veiled shots at each other theyve telegraphed for weeks. But the highly anticipated face-off between Biden, Warren, and Sanders, the three polling leaders in the race, never really came to a head beyond one exchange on health care.

How are we going to pay for it? Biden asked moments after the debate began, referring to the universal health care plan backed by both Sanders and Warren. I want to hear that tonight. My distinguished friend, the senator on my left, has not indicated how she pays for it, he said, referring to Warren.

The senator says shes for Bernie. Well, Im for Barack, the former vice president added, name-dropping former President Barack Obama .