I wasn’t there….
But the impression from the two national newspapers paint a different picture…
The Washington Post review seems to point to a strong job by incumbent US Senator Warnock, a Democrat….
The NY Times piece points to Hershel Walker making misses, but also holding his own on some questions….
Will the debate matter?
Who knowns?
But Warnock has and IS leading in the polls….
There could be another debate next week….
We don’t know if Walker will show up…
Oh and Walker pulled out showed a fake police badge when asked about his police service….
Update….
Walker did NOT show for the 2nd debate Sunday Oct. 16, 2022….
Washington Post….
The debate was among the most-anticipated clashes of the midterms, with strategists from both parties saying the outcome of Georgia’s contest may determine whether Democrats or Republicans control the Senate for the next two years.
The debate also came about a week after the mother of one of Walker’s children said the former football star paid for a 2009 abortion that she said he wanted her to have. The woman told The Washington Post that she had to repeatedly press Walker for funds for the procedure.
Walker, who has been running on a strict antiabortion platform, opposing the procedure without exceptions for rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother, has said the account is not true.
Warnock did not focus on the abortion story but did attack Walker on other issues relating to his past behavior. “My opponent has a problem with the truth,” Warnock said. “Just because he says something doesn’t mean it’s true.”
Warnock added: “And I’ve never threatened a shootout with the police.” His comment was a reference to an episode from Walker’s past where a police report detailed Walker threatening a “shootout.”
Throughout the debate, Warnock referenced various times he’s worked with Republicans, name checking Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for initiatives they’ve pushed to help reduce maternal mortality…
NewYork Times….
Reporting from Savannah, Ga.
One thing to keep in mind, too, is that the beginning of Georgia’s early voting period is on Monday. Tonight gave both candidates a chance to make closing arguments to voters who will cast ballots next week.
Whether this debate changes the direction of the race seems doubtful to me. The contest was tight before and it’s likely to remain tight after this, though Walker may have reassured some more moderate Republican voters concerned about whether he could perform on the stage.
The debate will most likely be remembered for one moment: Walker flashing some type of badge after Warnock accused him of previously pretending to be a police officer. We’re sure to find out more about that badge in the coming hours and days.
Walker made a notable shift on abortion, embracing the state’s so-called heartbeat bill, which includes exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. Previously, he said he backed no exceptions in abortion bans.
Reporting from Savannah, Ga.
Each candidate’s strategy was clearly on display tonight: Warnock gave careful answers to questions, trying not to alienate the voters in the middle he needs. Walker repeatedly criticized Warnock and national Democrats, earning applause lines for those jabs and making a direct-to-camera appeal to those who might be nervous about voting for him.
Walker outperformed expectations, which were low. But he was helped by the moderators, who seemed reluctant to let the candidates actually participate in direct exchanges with each other.
Warnock was a cautious debater. He did not spend his time trying to create viral moments. He only occasionally confronted Walker. Instead, he tried to hew to the political center.
Closing statements! Warnock asks people to vote early, and says we live in dark times. Walker casts Warnock, who has been a politician for under two years, as a career politician. He encourages voters to cast their ballots for an outsider like him.
Politico…
“This race isn’t about me,” Walker said, seeking to deflect from a focus about his personal struggles and family problems. “It’s about what Raphael Warnock and Joe Biden have done to you and your family.”
The moderators also questioned Walker about his current mental health status, and whether he was continuing to receive treatment. Walker dodged a question about whether he still has dissociative identity disorder, the mental illness he has attributed to past instances of domestic violence.
“I don’t need any help. I’m doing well,” Walker said, while encouraging others to seek help if they were in need. “I said I had a mental problem, and I’ll be a champion for mental health.”
Warnock avoided directly answering a question about why his church was being sued by evicted tenants of an apartment complex they operate, while Warnock received an untaxed housing allowance of more than $7,400 each month.
While Walker said he was in favor of Donald Trump running for president again in 2024, Warnock refused to answer whether Biden should seek reelection or if the president’s age was a concern, insisting he had not thought about the matter.
Both candidates said they would accept the outcome of the November election, regardless of who is declared the winner.
The candidates shook hands at the end of the debate, with Walker subsequently tapping Warnock on the arm and appearing to want to chat further. Warnock rebuffed, walking back to his podium. Early voting begins Monday in Georgia….