Elizabeth Warren, John Deaton spar in first Senate debate
BOSTON - The gloves were off from the start of the Senate debate at WBZ-TV Tuesday night. Two-term incumbent Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren faced off for the first time with Republican rival John Deaton.
The candidates covered immigration, cryptocurrency, housing, and abortion rights. The debate jumped from policy to personal attacks just as fast.
"So, this is why people do not trust John Deaton," Warren said.
"I got news for you senator, all of you suck in Congress," Deaton said.
Candidates on immigration
The debate started over immigration. "This is the one issue that separates me and Senator Warren more than anything," Deaton said.
Deaton calls illegal immigration a national security crisis and the migrant crisis a humanitarian one, but says he does not support mass deportations. Senator Warren admits our state's migrant crisis is draining our health care, housing, and education systems.
"The Republican playbook is one that Donald Trump has perfected," Warren said, "and that is get up and demonize as many immigrants as you can, call them terrible names, say that they're trying to eat our dogs and cats, but then most importantly don't fix the problem."
Abortion access
The pair found common ground on abortion access. Deaton pushed Warren on why the Democratic controlled Congress didn't codify it, while Warren said he couldn't be trusted on the issue.
"I am the father of three daughters," Deaton said. "I am incapable of supporting a law that would restrict the freedoms and privacy of my own daughters."
"I appreciate that Mr. Deaton has three daughters," Warren said. "The justices that set Row vs. Wade on fire and burned it to the ground collectively have 10 daughters. And Donald Trump has two daughters that we know of."
Warren criticized Deaton's ties to cryptocurrency. While Deaton argues Warren is limiting its potential to help low-income families.
One more debate planned
WBZ spoke with the candidates after the debate for their final thoughts.
"It's a real difference between the two of us. Because we really are fighting here in Massachusetts for who is going to control the United States Senate," Warren said.
"I want the voters to get a real look at both candidates and I think tonight you may have seen why Sen. Warren didn't agree to five debates," Deaton said.
The two candidates will face off one more time. That's planned for this Thursday in Springfield.