Of all the prep that goes into a primary debate performance, sometimes it’s the small, impromptu moments that really stand out.

So it was for Democratic frontrunner Elizabeth Warren last night, as she made full use of an expertly timed comeback to her closest contender, Joe Biden.

Exchanges between the two candidates have dialled up a notch as polls indicate they are now neck-and-neck in the race to win the party’s 2020 presidential ticket.

Warren seized an opportunity to throw shade at her competitor in Tuesday’s primary, as she outlined her role in the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – one of her signature accomplishments in her advisory role under the Obama administration. 

Biden responded by saying, “I got votes for that bill. I convinced people to vote for it”. Warren then paused for a beat before firing back, “I am deeply grateful to President Obama, who fought so hard to make sure that agency was passed into law.”

Needless to say, Twitter was gleeful at this deft move by Warren to put Biden in his place:

Folks far and wide rushed to salute the classic burn manoeuvre: 

It was one of those moments candidates crave, where they’re gifted the upper hand:

It wasn’t long before the memes came out to play:

Warren’s flawless comeback was like a president who got the cookies and cream (well, milk): 

And one of our personal favourites that honoured the exchange:

Fiery scraps like this are the bread and butter of primary debates, and Warren likely welcomed the chance for a little back-talk on a night where she came under repeated attack from her 11 Democratic co-runners. 

With a recent poll surge putting her into the race lead, all eyes turned to the Massachusetts senator as candidates picked apart her proposals on everything from healthcare to wealth tax.

The scrutiny came with an unexpected benefit, though; Warren held the lion’s share of talking time throughout the debate. And, if her spat with Biden is anything to go by, she can more than handle the heat.

Image: Getty