Warnock and Walker face off in Georgia Senate race debate
On Friday, Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican candidate Herschel Walker went head-to-head in a contentious debate ahead of the November midterm elections. Abortion and personal matters were among the many topics discussed — here are some of the highlights.
Video Transcript
- We'd like to hear your thoughts. In 60 seconds, did President Biden defeat former President Donald Trump in 2020? Again, sir, you have 60 seconds.
HERSCHEL WALKER: Did President Biden win?
- That is the question
HERSCHEL WALKER: President Biden won-- President Biden won and Senator Warnock won. That's the reason I decided to run.
- This is for both of you. Senator Warnock, yes or no, regardless of who wins in November, will you accept the outcome?
RAPHAEL WARNOCK: Yes.
- And Mr. Walker, regardless of who wins in November, will you accept the outcome?
HERSCHEL WALKER: Yes.
- And we turn now to the topic of abortion. We're going to start with you, Mr. Walker. A week before this debate, a former girlfriend made public accusation saying you paid for an abortion and that you encouraged her to have another. In an ABC News interview this week, you said that the accusations are, quote, "all lies." For the voters watching tonight, can you explain the circumstances surrounding these claims. You have 60 seconds.
HERSCHEL WALKER: Well, as I said, that's a lie. And, you know, what most thing-- I put it in a book. One thing about my life is I've been very transparent. Not like the Senator, he's hid things.
But at the same time, I said that's a lie. And on abortion, you know, I'm a Christian. I believe in life. And I tell people this, Georgia is a state that respects life. And I'll be a Senator that protects life. And I said that was a lie and I'm not backing down.
- We're asking you to take a clear position right now. Do you believe there should be any limitations on abortion set by the government? And you have 60 seconds.
RAPHAEL WARNOCK: I think that the women of this country and the women of this state woke up one summer morning and a court protection that they've known for 50 years was taken from them by an extremist Supreme Court. And I stand where I've said I stand in the past, that a patient's room is too narrow and small and cramped a space for a woman, her doctor, and the United States government.
We are witnessing right now what happens when politicians, most of them men, pile into patients' rooms. You get what you're seeing right now. And the women of Georgia-- [APPLAUSE] the women of Georgia deserves a Senator who will stand with them. I trust women more than I trust politicians.
HERSCHEL WALKER: May I respond?
- Very quickly, Mr. Walker.
HERSCHEL WALKER: You know, it is-- and I heard about him. I heard he was a neat talker. But did he not mention that there was a baby in that room as well? And also [APPLAUSE] did he not mention, that he's asking-- that he's asking the taxpayer to pay for it? So he's bringing the government back into the room.
RAPHAEL WARNOCK: You can support police officers, as I've done, through the COPS program, through the Invest to Protect program, while at the same time, holding police officers, like all professions, accountable. One thing I have not done, I've never pretended to be a police officer. [LAUGHTER] And I've never threatened a shootout with the police.
HERSCHEL WALKER: And now I have to respond to that.
- We are moving on, gentleman.
HERSCHEL WALKER: No, no, I have to respond to that. And you know what's so funny? I am-- worked with many police officers. [LAUGHTER] And at the same time, [CROWD REACTS] Pastor--
- Mr. Walker-- Mr. Walker--
HERSCHEL WALKER: No, no, no, no--
- Mr. Walker-- Mr. Walker-- excuse me, Mr. Walker--
HERSCHEL WALKER: When he said problem with the truth-- when he said a problem with the truth--
- Please, out of respect--
HERSCHEL WALKER: --the truth is in here.
- --I need to let you know, Mr. Walker--
HERSCHEL WALKER: Yes.
- --you are very well aware of the rules tonight.
HERSCHEL WALKER: Yes.
- And you have a prop.
HERSCHEL WALKER: Yes.
- That is not allowed, sir.
HERSCHEL WALKER: Yes.
- I ask you to put that prop away.
HERSCHEL WALKER: Well, it's not a prop. This is real. And he said I have a problem-- I never worked with law enforcement.
- It is considered a prop, Mr. Walker--
HERSCHEL WALKER: Yes.
- Excuse me, sir.
HERSCHEL WALKER: Yes.
- You're very well aware of the rules. Aren't you?
HERSCHEL WALKER: Well, he--
- Aren't you aware of the rules?
HERSCHEL WALKER: --he brought up the truth. So let's talk about the truth.
- Thank you for putting that prop away.
HERSCHEL WALKER: Yes.
- Your ex-wife filed a lawsuit asking for increased child support, saying that she had to pay for child care on days that your duties as a Senator interfered with your parenting time and citing significant increases in your income. In 30 seconds, what is your response to that lawsuit?
RAPHAEL WARNOCK: Listen, I went through a divorce, like a lot of people. And while that was a painful period, what came out of that was two amazing children that I just talked to before I came on this stage. And my children know that I am with them and for them and that I support them in every single way that a father does.
- Thank you, Senator Warnock. Now to you, Mr. Walker. [APPLAUSE] Recent ads have highlighted allegations of past domestic violence. They've raised questions about how transparent you've been as far as your resume. In one minute, how do you respond to voters who question your integrity, both personally and professionally?
HERSCHEL WALKER: First of all, I've been very transparent. And I'm not ashamed to admit it. And I said I had a mental problem. And I'll be a champion for mental health. Because so many people suffer from mental health.
But to have people like Senator war not to demonize mental health when I want to tell everyone out there, you can get help. Don't listen to Senator Warnock and his people. You can get help. All you've got to do is ask. All you've got to do is ask.
- If you haven't thought about it, if you can think about it now, in 2024, the president will turn 82 years old. Are you concerned about his physical and his mental fitness at that time? You have 30 seconds.
RAPHAEL WARNOCK: The people of Georgia hired me to represent them regardless of who's in the White House. I'm honored to do that job every single day. My dad said if somebody hires you to do a job, do the job they hired you to do. They didn't hire me to be a pundit. And I'm working every single day for hardworking families in Georgia-- for our women, for our workers, and for kids like me growing up in places like Kayton Homes.
- Mr. Walker, former President Trump is also considering a run for the White House in 2024. If you can give me a simple yes or no answer--
HERSCHEL WALKER: Well, that's not--
- --and we'll give you time to explain as well. Would you support a Trump 2024 run?
HERSCHEL WALKER: Yes, I would. And let me tell you because President Trump is my friend. It has nothing to do with-- has nothing to do with-- he's my friend. And I won't leave my allies.
