In a heated debate at Legacy High School in Bismarck, Democratic-NPL candidate Katrina Christiansen took aim at Republican U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, accusing him of perpetuating falsehoods about the January 6 Capitol attack. The exchange, which unfolded on October 16, 2024, also touched on critical issues like border policy and abortion, showcasing the stark differences between the two candidates.
Christiansen’s Strong Rebuttal on January 6
During the debate, Christiansen did not hold back in her criticism of Cramer’s statements regarding the events of January 6. She labeled his remarks as “recycling dangerous lies,” emphasizing the need for accountability in political discourse.
- Cramer claimed that former President Trump’s speech was “a little bit too ramped up” and shifted blame to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for allegedly rejecting National Guard support.
- Fact-checkers from Politifact have refuted Cramer’s assertions, stating there is no evidence that Pelosi had the authority to deny such a request.
Christiansen firmly stated that misrepresenting the events of January 6 is un-American. She expressed her belief that Trump and his supporters should be held accountable for their actions that day. “I hold President Trump accountable and those who went along with him in not certifying the election results of a free and fair election of our president,” she declared, underscoring her commitment to truth in politics.
Dissecting the Farm Bill and SNAP Benefits
The debate also delved into agricultural policies, particularly the farm bill and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Christiansen criticized Cramer for failing to secure a new farm bill, arguing that he has historically vilified those who rely on SNAP.
- She pointed out that SNAP is included in the farm bill to garner support from both rural and urban communities, emphasizing its importance in ensuring food security.
- “This is a serious program and the reason that we have it is because we value everyone,” Christiansen stated, highlighting the necessity of supporting vulnerable populations.
Cramer countered by asserting that separating SNAP from the farm bill would jeopardize its passage. He placed blame on Democrats for delaying the bill, specifically calling out U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow for proposals he believes would dilute funding for farmers. “We have got to rebalance those things,” he insisted, framing the discussion around the need for agricultural support.
Abortion Rights: A Divisive Topic
Abortion rights emerged as another contentious issue during the debate. Cramer expressed his belief that life begins at conception and praised the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a positive development.
- “It’s up to states from now on and we’ll take that up state by state,” he stated, indicating a preference for localized decision-making on the issue.
- Christiansen, on the other hand, advocated for women’s autonomy over their health care decisions, citing real-world consequences of state bans on abortion.
She highlighted the struggles women face in states with restrictive laws, arguing that “women need to be in control of their health care.” Cramer acknowledged the need for exceptions in state bans to protect the life of the mother, but Christiansen maintained that the current landscape is detrimental to women’s health.
Border Policy: Blame and Solutions
The candidates also clashed over border security, with Christiansen criticizing Cramer for voting against a bipartisan border security bill. She accused him of being a “career politician” who avoids taking responsibility for resolving pressing issues.
- “He identifies a problem, assigns blame, and he walked away from the hard work of resolving the issues he saw in the bill,” she asserted, calling for a more proactive approach to border security.
- Cramer, however, shifted the blame to President Biden and his supporters, claiming they are responsible for the current border crisis.
He expressed concerns about the bill supporting sanctuary cities and expediting asylum claims, stating, “I wouldn’t vote for that for the people of North Dakota for anything because I’m tired of kids dying from fentanyl.” Christiansen countered that sanctuary cities do not exist in North Dakota, urging for a pragmatic solution to the fentanyl crisis that has affected the state.
Comments