Key takeaways from the combative Ted Cruz, Colin Allred debate
Ted Cruz and Colin Allred attacked each other’s positions and character as they sparred over abortion, immigration and the economy.
Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Colin Allred, vying for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas, clashed in their Tuesday night debate, trading barbs on hot-button issues such as abortion, immigration, and the economy. Allred, emphasizing his bipartisan credentials, painted himself as a pragmatic alternative to Cruz, whom he labelled the most extreme senator in Washington. He touted his record of bipartisan cooperation, citing the Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship he received from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Cruz, however, countered by highlighting his legislative achievements, including bipartisan bills creating new interstates. He emphasized his stance on in vitro fertilization, criticizing Senate Democrats for opposing his bill to protect IVF access. While he opposes transgender girls participating in girls’ sports, he insisted on protecting all children from harm or discrimination regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
The debate saw Cruz repeatedly linking Allred to the policies of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, portraying his opponent as a radical Democrat out of touch with Texas values. He argued that Allred and Harris share the same agenda and are indistinguishable in their stances. Cruz even likened Allred's debate style to that of Kamala Harris.
He emphasized his own close working relationship with former President Donald Trump, highlighting his role in urging Trump to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel, withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, and secure the southern border. Cruz claimed that their efforts resulted in the lowest illegal immigration rate in 45 years, a record he asserted was deliberately sabotaged by Biden and Harris, leaving Texas to bear the consequences.
Allred, in a bid to make the election a referendum on Cruz's tenure, accused the senator of prioritizing self-interest over the needs of the state. He launched pointed attacks, accusing Cruz of lying about Allred's record and about the 2020 election, calling him a divisive figure who exploits anger for personal gain. Allred also criticized Cruz's absence during the 2021 winter storm, when millions of Texans faced power outages, highlighting his trip to Cancun as evidence of his lack of commitment.
Cruz, in turn, attempted to portray Allred as a moderate in rhetoric but an extremist in his voting record. He cited Allred's past votes on immigration, abortion, and LGBTQ rights, claiming they were out of step with Texas values and aligned with the radical agenda of Pelosi. He also attacked Allred's support for Democratic Party positions, arguing it was incompatible with supporting Texas oil and gas production.
The debate served as a preview of the final stage of the campaign, where both candidates will likely amplify their current strategies. Allred will likely continue to appeal to moderate Republicans and independents who are dissatisfied with Cruz, while Cruz will strive to solidify his base by highlighting Allred's voting record and his perceived ties to the Democratic Party establishment.
Cruz, however, countered by highlighting his legislative achievements, including bipartisan bills creating new interstates. He emphasized his stance on in vitro fertilization, criticizing Senate Democrats for opposing his bill to protect IVF access. While he opposes transgender girls participating in girls’ sports, he insisted on protecting all children from harm or discrimination regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
The debate saw Cruz repeatedly linking Allred to the policies of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, portraying his opponent as a radical Democrat out of touch with Texas values. He argued that Allred and Harris share the same agenda and are indistinguishable in their stances. Cruz even likened Allred's debate style to that of Kamala Harris.
He emphasized his own close working relationship with former President Donald Trump, highlighting his role in urging Trump to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel, withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, and secure the southern border. Cruz claimed that their efforts resulted in the lowest illegal immigration rate in 45 years, a record he asserted was deliberately sabotaged by Biden and Harris, leaving Texas to bear the consequences.
Allred, in a bid to make the election a referendum on Cruz's tenure, accused the senator of prioritizing self-interest over the needs of the state. He launched pointed attacks, accusing Cruz of lying about Allred's record and about the 2020 election, calling him a divisive figure who exploits anger for personal gain. Allred also criticized Cruz's absence during the 2021 winter storm, when millions of Texans faced power outages, highlighting his trip to Cancun as evidence of his lack of commitment.
Cruz, in turn, attempted to portray Allred as a moderate in rhetoric but an extremist in his voting record. He cited Allred's past votes on immigration, abortion, and LGBTQ rights, claiming they were out of step with Texas values and aligned with the radical agenda of Pelosi. He also attacked Allred's support for Democratic Party positions, arguing it was incompatible with supporting Texas oil and gas production.
The debate served as a preview of the final stage of the campaign, where both candidates will likely amplify their current strategies. Allred will likely continue to appeal to moderate Republicans and independents who are dissatisfied with Cruz, while Cruz will strive to solidify his base by highlighting Allred's voting record and his perceived ties to the Democratic Party establishment.