Warnock goes on the offensive against Herschel Walker in last stretch before Election Day
by Cami Mondeaux, Breaking News Reporter |
October 19, 2022 08:55 AM
In a reversal from his usual restrained persona on the campaign trail, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) has gone on the offensive against Republican challenger Herschel Walker as the candidates enter the final stretch of the midterm cycle.
Although Warnock has centered much of his campaign on his bipartisanship record in the Senate, the Democratic senator has turned to more personal attacks in recent days to paint Walker as out of touch and unqualified for office. During a debate on Sunday, at which Walker did not appear, Warnock pointed to the former NFL star’s alleged history of domestic violence as proof he is not ready to serve in the Senate.
“This race is about who’s ready to represent the people of Georgia in the U.S. Senate,” Warnock said as he gestured to the empty lectern on the stage meant for Walker. “And by not showing up tonight for the job interview, by giving nonsensical answers about his history of violence, Herschel Walker shows he’s not ready.”
Warnock also criticized Walker over suggestions that he previously worked in law enforcement, claims that have been debunked by several fact-checkers.
“He said that he graduated from college. He didn’t. He said that he was valedictorian of his class. He wasn’t. He said that he started a business that doesn’t even exist. And the other night, when I said he pretended to be a police officer, he presented a badge as if that were proof that he really is a police officer,” Warnock said.
The shift in strategy comes after Warnock met face-to-face with Walker during their first and only debate on Friday, with the Republican candidate launching aggressive attacks against his opponent — frequently interrupting Warnock as the incumbent sought to tout his policy achievements during his first term.
The Georgia Senate race remains tight, as 46% of Georgia voters say they’re likely to vote for Warnock compared to just 43% who said the same for Walker, according to a recent poll from the University of Georgia and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Although the numbers show a slight advantage for the Democratic incumbent, Warnock’s lead is still within the poll’s margin of error, meaning the race could be forced into a runoff in November.
The race has become one of the most closely watched midterm elections as the winner is likely to determine which party will gain control of Congress in November.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/warnock-on-offensive-against-herschel-walker
