From NBC News · Matt Dixon · · 2m
Georgia Senate Debate Focuses on Trump and Biden Policies
Georgia Senate candidates clash over Trump and Biden-era economic and foreign policies during debate.
In brief
Georgia Senate candidates clash over Trump and Biden-era economic and foreign policies during debate. Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Rep. Mike Collins debated Trump and Biden policies, with Ossoff criticizing Collins' support for Trump tariffs and Iran war. Originally reported by NBC News.
First Georgia Senate Debate
Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Rep. Mike Collins met for their first debate in the Georgia Senate race on Thursday.
Ossoff Questions Tariffs
Ossoff repeatedly asked why Collins supported tariffs that have raised consumer goods costs and kept Trump’s approval ratings low.
Collins Avoids Iran War Questions
Collins spent the debate not directly answering questions about the Iran war or Trump’s economy but trying to link Ossoff to Biden’s inflation policies.
Collins Supports Trump Tariffs
Collins said Trump’s tariffs make trade with China fair and help Georgia’s ports, which are key to the state’s economy.
Collins Defends Iran War
Collins defended Trump’s decision to bomb Iran with Israel, saying the president had every right to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
Ossoff Attacks 2020 Election Claims
Ossoff accused Collins of continuing to support Trump’s claim that the 2020 election was stolen without proof.
Collins on SAVE Act
Collins said voters need confidence in elections and that the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register, is important for secure elections.
Social Media Posts
Ossoff criticized Collins for promoting white nationalist posts on social media through his son-in-law.
Reid Hoffman Connection
Collins claimed billionaire Reid Hoffman, linked to Epstein, donated to Ossoff’s campaign.
Ossoff’s Fundraising
Ossoff raised $50 million from small-dollar donors, indicating strong national support among his party’s base.
Collins’ Fundraising
Collins raised over $7 million, with $25 million from the Senate Leadership Fund, a national GOP group.
Polling Trend
Most polling shows Ossoff leading Collins by 10 percentage points, with a YouGov poll conducted Sept. 15-18.
Final Remarks
Ossoff accused Collins of misleading about his professional record, saying he inherited his congressional seat from his father.
Last Word
Collins concluded by saying Ossoff’s voting record on Biden policies remains unexplained.
The essence
Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Rep. Mike Collins debated Trump and Biden policies, with Ossoff criticizing Collins' support for Trump tariffs and Iran war.
