DEBATE DAY: Warnock, Walker to square off in Savannah
Rivals to clash in first, likely only debate
After months of negotiations and attacks, the two leading candidates for U.S. Senate in Georgia are set to meet for a live debate in Savannah on Friday.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker will participate in their first and likely only face-to-face square off Friday night in front of a live audience.
The debate comes as polling continues to show a tightening race that could determine the balance of power on Capitol Hill — and the fate of President Joe Biden’s agenda. Early voting is set to begin on Monday.
National donors are well aware of how consequential the race could be. Both Warnock and Walker continue to set fundraising records, and that doesn’t include the millions of dollars in outside money from their allies in Washington.
It will be Walker’s first time participating in a political debate. The UGA football legend and political novice refused to debate his opponents in the Republican primary last spring.
Walker has tried to lower expectations, but observers are expecting him to try and link his Democratic rival to President Biden, who is mired with low approval ratings in the Peach State. “I’ll fight to defeat the disastrous Biden agenda in the U.S. Senate,” he said Thursday.
Warnock’s campaign says that the Senator will seek to present voters with a contrast. He is expected to attack Walker for opposing Medicaid expansion and supporting abortion bans. They are also expecting Walker to be asked about allegations of violent behavior.
While Walker will almost certainly hammer Warnock on inflation, the Democrat plans to address pocketbook issues such as capping drug costs and expanding jobs at the Port of Savannah.
The hour-long debate, which will air live at 7:00 PM ET, could create a scheduling conflict for baseball fans, with game 3 of the Braves/Phillies playoff series set to begin shortly after 4:30 PM.
Where to watch
Here is where you can watch Friday’s debate in your area.
Atlanta: Fox 5 Atlanta (WAGA)
Augusta: WJBF NewsChannel6
Albany: Fox 31 (WFXL)
Columbus: WRBL News 3
Macon: Fox 34/ABC 16 (WGXA)
Savannah: WSAV News 3
Spartanburg-Greenville, SC: 7 News (WSPA)