Warnock, Walker debate scheduled for Oct. 14 in Savannah

For those who were wondering if it was ever going to happen, we have big news to report. A debate has been scheduled. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker says he will participate in an Oct. 14 debate in Savannah against U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock.

Since joining the race for this senate seat, Walker has been hammered with criticism for refusing to commit to debates. His actions with Warnock were a continuation of the maneuver Walker exercised ahead of the May GOP primary. Walker rejected invitations to debates and forums with other Republicans with them calling him out each time, but unable to do more than that as they watched Walker slide unscathed into the role as the GOP nominee.

Although he systematically skipped debates with his Republican rivals, Walker repeatedly vowed he would debate Warnock “any day of the week.” Since winning the GOP primary, Walker has instead been accused of moving the goalposts. 

His attempts to avoid a commitment to debates with Warnock have been met with pressure and criticism from his allies. In addition, Democrats have regularly mocked Walker for his tough talk while refusing to commit to a ‘showdown’. They point to the months of rhetoric from Walker as he delivered one liners and vague statements to reporters and voters when pressed on his stance regarding a debate. Walker’s delay in committing to a debate raised concerns among the GOP that his reluctance could hurt his chances with wavering Republicans and undecided voters.

In what many saw as attempts to pressure Walker to commit, Warnock launched a TV ad last month labeling his opponent a coward, while an operative dressed as a chicken squawked outside a recent Walker event. After months of gamesmanship, Walker committed for the first time to a specific date during an appearance on a GOP friendly network. Pointing to Warnock’s hometown, Walker said he will debate “in front of a crowd” in Savannah. 

“This debate is going to be about the people. It’s not about some political party. It’s not about the press,” Walker said. “But the people need to see the differences between Sen. Warnock and Herschel Walker.” Walker went on to say the debate won’t involve the “media elite.” Walker’s campaign said the event would be hosted by WSAV.  

The October debate will include Russ Spencer from Fox 5 and Tina Tyus-Shaw from WSAV as panelists. It will be held at a yet-to-be disclosed theater that includes a post-debate spin room where aides can interact with local and national media. 

Warnock’s campaign said the Democrat already accepted “three well-established Georgia debates” after Walker repeatedly said he’d meet his rival anywhere at any time. Warnock committed to three debates weeks ago as he waited for Walker to commit to one. “Nothing has changed. Rev. Warnock remains committed to debating Herschel Walker and giving Georgians three opportunities to see the clear choice about who is ready to represent Georgia,” said his campaign manager. 

Warnock, who has held slight leads in most recent polls, accepted invitations weeks ago from WTOC in Savannah, Mercer University in Macon and the Atlanta Press Club. It is unclear if the other debates will occur as Walker’s aides have not committed. Political watchers point to questions about Walker while he has been on the campaign trail. They question his credibility following a series of blunders, confusing remarks, and downright falsehoods including having served with the Cobb County police, being an FBI agent, having a business that employs thousands, and the actual number of children he has fathered.