It’s Debate Night in America
Playbook: “One of the busiest evenings of the midterm calendar, candidates will square off tonight in several marquee races where both candidates will look for a momentum shift for the election’s final weeks.”
- John Fetterman vs. Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania
- Kathy Hochul vs. Lee Zeldin in New York
- Gretchen Whitmer vs. Tudor Dixon in Michigan
- Michael Bennet vs. Joe O’Dea in Colorado
We will post up the summaries and comments below….
Pennsylvania US Senate Debate…..
John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz sparred over abortion, crime and other hot-button issues during their Senate debate on Tuesday night, with Fetterman, the Democratic nominee who suffered a stroke nearly six months ago, struggling at times to effectively communicate, missing words, pausing awkwardly and speaking haltingly.
During the debate, Oz repeatedly sidestepped a question about whether he would support a proposed federal ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. He argued that he was clear on his position, however, saying, “I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that’s always allowed our nation to thrive, to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves.”
Fetterman, meanwhile, said he wanted Roe v. Wade to be the law of the land.
The event, the first and only time Oz and Fetterman will spar one-on-one, was billed as the most closely watched debate in the country this year. It marked the first time that voters were able to watch Fetterman unscripted on live television for an hour after he suffered a stroke in May…..
New York Governor Debate….
Gov. Kathy Hochul and her Republican challenger Rep. Lee Zeldin both came out swinging at the singular debate in New York’s gubernatorial contest Tuesday as recent polls show a tighter-than-expected race just two weeks from Election Day.
The Democratic governor seeking her first term and the Long Island congressmember hit on the themes that have defined their campaigns: She criticized him for being an ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump who doesn’t support abortion rights; he hit back that Hochul has let crime fester in New York City and hasn’t done enough to address the state’s high cost of living.
“You’re poorer and less safe because of Kathy Hochul and extreme policies,” Zeldin said directly into the camera in his opening statement. “This is your opportunity to save New York.”
“Nice to see you too, as well, Lee,” Hochul quipped when given her 60-second intro.
The event hosted by Spectrum News in New York City comes as Hochul’s juggernaut campaign pivots to emphasize her record on public safety to counter Zeldin’s aggressive messaging on the issue, a national trend that has put even safe Democratic seats in limbo ahead of the Nov. 8 elections for governors across the U.S. and control of Congress…..
Michigan Governor Debate….
Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her Republican challenger Tudor Dixonclashed on abortion rights in a debate Tuesday night, as Whitmer backed a referendum on ballots this fall that would amend the state constitution to guarantee abortion rights.
Dixon said that referendum, if approved by voters, “would be the most radical abortion law in the entire country. The only place that has something similar is China and North Korea.”
Whitmer shot back: “None of what she said is true.”
The two were clashing over what’s known as Proposal 3 – a measure placed on the ballot after a petition drive seeking to amend the state’s constitution to scrap Michigan’s 1931 law banning abortion with no exceptions for cases of rape and incest. That law, which had long been dormant, was revived after the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade before a judge ruled the law unconstitutional in September….