Understand
Three insights from heated US midterm Senate debates
Overview
As the US midterm elections approach, Senate candidates have engaged in debates marked by heated exchanges, personal attacks, and varying stances on Donald Trump. A Reuters analysis indicates that two-thirds of candidates in competitive races have broken with the president in some way. Additionally, personal insults have featured prominently in multiple state races, and some candidates have chosen to skip debates entirely.
Key points
- Two-thirds of candidates in competitive US House and Senate races have broken with Donald Trump in some way this election cycle.
- Maine Republican Susan Collins highlighted her opposition to Donald Trump during a recent debate, noting she voted against him 137 times in Congress.
- Iowa Republican Ashley Hinson separated herself from Trump administration policy by criticizing a deal with Russia to import oil to lower fuel prices.
- Candidates across several state races deployed pointed personal attacks, including Michigan and Georgia.
- An ABC News analysis found that out of 35 Senate seats up for grabs, 21 have no debates scheduled among main candidates, with some individuals skipping them entirely.