Candidates for Vermont’s U.S. Senate meet in a spirited debate

Vermont’s U.S. Senate candidates met for a debate this week, disagreeing on most issues and offering occasionally spirited arguments.

Independent Bernie Sanders is seeking his fourth term in the Senate. He previously served in the House of Representatives for 16 years. Republican Gerald Malloy is an Army veteran who ran an unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Senate in 2022.

Their philosophical differences became clear early in the debate, co-moderated by Vermont Public and VT Digger. When asked about the cause of inflation, Malloy blamed government overspending, while Sanders pointed to corporate greed.

“What has happened here, particularly over the last four years, is that we have massively overspent. This overspending led to the 40-year high inflation that we are all now experiencing. Grocery shopping has become painful,” Malloy said. “My opponent has talked about reducing health care, education and housing costs his entire career. That didn’t happen. They’ve all skyrocketed and Americans are struggling.”

Moderator Mikaela Lefrak turns to the other candidate. “I want to direct the question to you, Senator Sanders.”

“The very good news is that inflation rates are falling significantly,” notes Sanders. “In my view, the main cause of inflation is the disruption of supply chains, but also the incredible greed of companies. Mr. Malloy mentioned the high prices we pay at the grocery store. He’s right. Look at the level of corporate profits in the food industry and the incredibly high prices they charge the American people.”

Vermont has faced a number of severe floods in recent years. Sanders repeated his comment that climate change is an existential threat when asked what could be done about it in the Senate.

“The fact that we’ve put more money into sustainable energy, including my legislation for rooftop solar panels, has given us some progress,” Sanders claims. “If Republicans gain control of the House and Senate, if Trump wins the White House, I think the fight against climate change is essentially over and I am very concerned about the future of the planet.”

“Gerald Malloy?” asks host Shaun Robinson.

“I know there is climate change,” Malloy admits. “I agree and want to develop solutions in America to enable clean, safe, reliable and affordable solutions here in America. This leads to a larger problem, which is about free enterprise and industry developing solutions rather than government pushing an agenda. That won’t work. We actually support China. We don’t have the natural resources we need.”

The candidates had the opportunity to ask each other questions. Moderator Mikaela Lefrak tried to control the candidates after Sanders asked his opponent a question about former President Donald Trump.

“Mr. Malloy, Donald Trump lies all the time. Out of curiosity, why are you supporting Donald Trump for president?” asks Sanders.

“I’m supporting President Trump for president because I’ve looked at what the progressive left has done over the last four years, and you’re a part of it. We have had high inflation and record high gas prices for 40 years. We have two new wars. “We have a wide open southern border,” Malloy replies.

“You didn’t answer the question,” comments Sanders. “You have someone who lies all the time.”

“In your opinion,” Malloy says.

Sanders is caught in the middle of thinking: “That’s not… not my opinion.”

“Yes, you think that’s true,” Malloy affirms.

Sanders is incredulous: “Really?”

“Yes. And I don’t think he should be called a liar,” Malloy defends.

“We have some time…” Lefrak interrupts.

“This type of rhetoric has led to two assassination attempts,” Malloy claims.

“Hold it, hold it, hold it, hold it. I don’t think so…” Sanders begins.

“People are called pathological liars,” Malloy challenges.

“And do you know why?” Sanders answers irritably: “Because he’s a pathological liar!”

Moderator Lefrak joins the fray and remarks: “We’re trying to have a debate here, not a competition.”

Malloy then questioned Sanders’ record.

“As a member of Congress, you were part of the 1,100 percent increase in the national debt,” Malloy claims. “If you are elected to another six-year term, do you have any intention of addressing this unsustainable debt, or will your intention be to bankrupt the United States government and collapse our economy?”

“As you know, we have seen a very significant increase in the national debt under President Trump. “We’re seeing some cuts under President Biden,” Sanders said.

“If there are loopholes in our tax system that billionaires take advantage of, Congress should close them,” Malloy said. “Where is the legislation?”

“Well, there are laws,” Sanders notes. “But what you’re ignoring here is that your friends in the Republican Party are among the wealthiest people in this country and they resist day and night, as do the Democrats, but they resist significant efforts to make the tax system fairer and more progressive.” .”

Early voting is underway in Vermont. The general election will take place on November 5th.