Republicans suddenly aren’t interested in debating their opponents

A number of Republican candidates in this year's races are turning down chances to share a debate stage with Democratic challengers, according to an opinion column from MS NOW. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott, who faced Wendy Davis, Lupe Valdez and Beto O'Rourke in earlier campaigns, has rejected four proposed debates with Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa, even though polls show a tight contest despite his advertising edge of better than six to one. Attorney General Ken Paxton has passed on debating Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico and on a comparable televised town hall. Senator Ashley Moody of Florida won't debate Angie Nixon, and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi sees "no point" in facing Scott Colom.

The campaigns offer varying reasons, from a preference for community events to objections over an opponent's views or the choice of moderators. The columnist, a former Democratic communications aide in Nebraska, contends the real motive is that Republicans would have to defend Donald Trump's tariffs and the war in Iran, which have pushed up costs while his approval ratings slide. The writer also notes that Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, has likewise declined to debate and deserves scrutiny.

Summarized by PolitiKool from MS NOW’s reporting. Read the full story at MS NOW →