Herschel Walker Skips Georgia Debate, Calls It A ‘Sham’ Hosted By Warnock’s Friends

Herschel Walker, the GOP nominee for a U.S. Senate seat in Georgia, on Sunday declined an opportunity to debate Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, saying the discussion board hosted by the Atlanta Press Membership was a “sham” favoring the incumbent.

Walker’s snub left him represented on the controversy stage by an empty podium alongside Warnock and Libertarian challenger Chase Oliver.

Walker’s spokesperson, Will Kiley, disregarded the no-show by claiming Walker “dominated” the primary debate between the 2 main candidates in Savannah on Friday.

“After failing miserably in his first debate, Raphael Warnock needs a do-over, by attending tonight’s sham hosted by his liberal pals,” Kiley stated in a press release.

At Sunday’s session, Warnock criticized the ex-NFL star for his absence.

“I believe it’s necessary to level out that my opponent Herschel Walker is just not right here, and I believe that half of being a senator is exhibiting up, that’s half of life,” Warnock stated in his reply to the primary query. “And I’ve proven up for the folks of Georgia time and time once more.”

Throughout Friday’s debate, Walker was criticized for flashing a pretend police badge, falsely claiming he used to work in legislation enforcement. He has since insisted the badge is actual.

The Donald Trump-endorsed GOP nominee additionally advised folks anxious about rising insulin prices ought to “eat proper,” although a nutritious diet has not been proven to assist these bothered with Kind 1 diabetes.

Because the November election approaches, Walker’s marketing campaign has been mired in scandal. Walker, who opposes abortion underneath any circumstances — even in circumstances of rape or incest — allegedly paid an ex-girlfriend to have an abortion, after which pressured her to have one other one however she refused and had his little one.

Walker has additionally reportedly engaged in home violence, which his son, Christian Walker, appeared to substantiate.

“You’re not a ‘household man’ if you left us to bang a bunch of ladies, threatened to kill us, and had us transfer over 6 instances in 6 months operating out of your violence,” Christian Walker stated.

Walker has denied the allegations.

On Sunday, Warnock condemned Walker over his historical past of abuse.

“I’ve by no means been violent to anyone for any cause. I’ve spent my complete life as a citizen, as a pastor of Dr. King’s church steeped within the philosophy of nonviolence,” Warnock stated, in accordance with the Atlanta Journal-Structure. “My opponent, then again, has a well-documented historical past of violence and he hasn’t come clear about it.”

The race is seen as vital in figuring out which occasion controls the Senate.

Distinguished Republicans, together with Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), visited Georgia final week to assist Walker’s struggling marketing campaign.

Warnock maintained a small, but constant lead as of Thursday, in accordance with polling aggregating website FiveThirtyEight. It’s unclear whether or not the debates have affected the projected election outcome.