Cheri Beasley and Ted Budd face off in U.S. Senate debate, race remains tight

In their only debate in the race for U.S. Senate, former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and U.S. Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C. 13th) discussed issues including inflation, abortion and marijuana legalization on Friday.

The race between Beasley and Budd is one of the tightest Senate races in the country as they vie for the seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.). According to a recent SurveyUSA poll for WRAL, 43 percent of respondents said they plan to vote for Budd and 42 percent of respondents said they plan to vote for Beasley. 

Political journalist Tim Boyum hosted the debate on Spectrum News 1. Before the debate, Boyum asked North Carolinians to send him suggestions, which he incorporated into the questions. 

He began the debate by asking Beasley and Budd about inflation. 

Beasley said the U.S. Congress should take steps to combat inflation by lowering drug prices and lessening corporate profit margins. She noted that "North Carolinians are hurting."

Budd said people in the state are struggling to afford basic goods, and said the Biden Administration went too far with its spending packages.

Boyum then moved to the issue of abortion. When he asked Budd if he supported a 15-week abortion ban or a total ban with no exceptions, Budd said he supports "saving unborn lives."

Budd repeatedly said that Beasley supports the Women's Health Protection Act, a proposed federal bill that prohibits governmental restrictions on access to abortion services. Beasley responded by saying that she agrees with the provisions set by Roe v. Wade. 

"I support the Roe v. Wade framework that allows for protections and restrictions on abortion later in pregnancy so that when abortion happens later in pregnancy, it only happens in serious problems like when the mother's health is at risk," Beasley said.  

When asked what he would say to unaffiliated or independent voters who may be concerned about Trump's endorsement, Budd said that he endorsed him because he is an "America first candidate."

Boyum said the most-asked questions by viewers surrounded accepting election results. Both Budd and Beasley said they would accept the results of the 2022 election. However, he re-affirmed his vote to overturn the 2020 election result.

"Having that debate was a healthy thing and I do stand by that vote," Budd said. 

Boyum also asked about President Joe Biden's recent steps regarding marijuana possession. 

On Oct. 6, Biden pardoned thousands of people with federal offenses for simple marijuana possession and initiated a review of how the drug is classified. He also encouraged state governors to take similar steps to pardon state simple marijuana possession charges.

"What is your ideal law in the legalization of marijuana, if at all?" Boyum asked the candidates. 

Budd said he does not support Biden pardoning those with federal offenses for simple marijuana possession and said it was "bad all around." He said he thinks the pardon and legalizing marijuana generally sends a harmful message to young people.

Beasley said she supports legalizing the recreational and medical use of marijuana and wants to address disparities in sentencing. 

"I look forward to seeing more about this proposed rule by the president, but it is important that we stand firm in understanding the benefits of legalizing marijuana," she said. 

When asked about crime and guns, Budd said he wants to support the Second Amendment while keeping guns out of the hands of "dangerous people." He also said Beasley would defund the police, a claim that she denied.

Beasley praised Congress' recent legislation on gun safety and added that Budd's words do not match his action, saying he has voted against extra funding for police four times. 

Boyum then noted that many viewers were interested in what the candidates believed about health care. 

Budd said North Carolina needs to emphasize innovation, transparency and choice. He said that Medicare for All would not bring that affordability.

"I will look at anything that makes life better for North Carolina," Budd said.

Beasley said that she wants to expand the Affordable Care Act in response to a question about Medicare for All. 

The deadline to register to vote in North Carolina is Oct. 14. Register online at this link. In-person early voting in the state starts on Oct. 20. Election Day is 32 days away.

@emmymrtin

@DTHCityState | city@dailytarheel.com 

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