Casey, McCormick Face Off in First Senate Debate

In their first debate, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick engaged in a heated exchange, accusing each other of dishonesty and criticizing their records on key issues such as energy, tariffs, and the sale of US Steel. McCormick portrayed Casey as a weak career politician who votes with President Biden 99% of the time, while Casey targeted McCormick's hedge fund investments in Chinese companies. Both candidates expressed opposition to the sale of US Steel; however, they traded barbs over responsibility for a failed project in Pennsylvania. Casey advocated for ending the filibuster to pass legislation on abortion and gun control, while McCormick labeled him a liberal who has failed to address the border crisis. Polls indicate that McCormick has gained significant ground, tightening the race as Election Day approaches. This contest is pivotal in determining control of the closely divided Senate.