Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly and Republican challenger Blake Masters took to the debate stage in Phoenix Thursday evening, where the two clashed over President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S. economy, border security, and reproductive rights.
The candidates opened the debate by highlighting how high inflation has crippled consumer spending across the country. Masters specifically shared a story of how some parents are having to forgo meals so they can better afford to feed their children.
“This crushing inflation is ruining people’s lives,” Masters told debate moderator Ted Simons. “I had parents come up to me two weeks ago to a campaign event. They said Blake, we don’t eat breakfast anymore. We drink coffee. We drink coffee so that we can afford to feed our kids breakfast. And that’s on you, sir. This is the Joe Biden-Mark Kelly economy.”
Kelly, a former astronaut, was narrowly elected in 2020 to serve the remainder of late Republican Sen. John McCain’s term, said the COVID-19 pandemic, which he referred to as “something unprecedented,” was squarely to blame for the current economic crisis.
“Two and a half years ago, we went through something unprecedented. You know, COVID-19, schools had to shut down. Businesses shut down across Arizona,” he said. “Sometimes the federal government has to step in to save small business. You know, they have to step in to protect livelihoods.”
Masters, a venture capitalist, who is backed by former President Donald Trump, rebutted, saying Biden continues to needlessly spend money, exacerbating the inflation problem.
“Joe Biden is spending like a drunken sailor at every single opportunity. Mark Kelly just says yes. He can’t say no to [Senate Majority Leader] Chuck Schumer. He can’t say no to Joe Biden,” the Republican said.
He added: “At least Senator Sinema stopped Build Back Better. My gosh, you were ready to vote for that. That would have just ruined our economy.”
The candidates then tackled border security and…
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