Missouri U.S. Senate candidates Josh Hawley and Lucas Kunce faced off in a tense encounter at the Missouri State Fair as they try to negotiate terms for a debate. The candidates have been at an impasse over debate terms since their primary wins. Hawley, the incumbent, has challenged Kunce to a debate with the Missouri Farm Bureau, which has endorsed him, while Kunce has pushed for televised debates.
In a video from a Missouri Nexstar affiliate, Hawley and Kunce were seen squabbling over the possibility of a debate, with no official agreement on structure. Hawley agreed to a televised debate but insisted that Kunce show up and that the debate be held near the State Fairgrounds with the Farm Bureau keeping time.
Although the candidates had initially planned to debate shortly after their primary victories, ongoing disagreements over debate terms have cast doubt on whether a formal debate will take place. The meeting at the Missouri State Fairgrounds was not hosted by the fairgrounds itself.
The clash between Hawley and Kunce highlights the tension and challenges surrounding their efforts to engage in a debate, with both candidates holding firm on their preferred debate formats. The outcome of their negotiations remains uncertain as they aim to reach a compromise on the terms of their potential debate.
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Photo credit fox4kc.com