A once-sleepy U.S. Senate race in North Carolina heated up Friday night, with Republican Rep. Ted Budd facing off against Democratic challenger Cheri Beasley for outgoing GOP Sen. Richard Burr's seat.
Polls have shown the race is virtually tied in the purple state, and its outcome could determine the balance of power in the Senate.Friday's debate in Raleigh was the first and only time the two leading candidates are scheduled to meet — but it almost didn't happen. Budd had outright refused to debate his Republican rivals during the primary election and only agreed to debate Beasley last month.
Beasley was asked whether she agreed with President Joe Biden's stimulus and COVID-relief packages and who she thought should shoulder the blame. Budd was asked if the economy was a"bipartisan problem," but he said no. Citing economist Milton Friedman, he said the money President Donald Trump spent in office was needed"to make sure our economy would stay alive but Joe Biden went way too far."
When asked if he'd support any exceptions to a ban, Budd said his"ideal law" would include"protecting the life of the mother." He added that he wanted to"save as many unborn lives as possible" and criticized Beasley's"extreme" views on the topic. "[Biden] is the president and unfortunately, he is destroying our country," Budd said."I don't like what he is doing, but he is our president."
He later added,"Yes, we need a wall. Yes, we need more border agents, and yes, we need more technology. It's going to take all of those things."
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