Ossoff and Collins trade personal attacks during heated Georgia Senate debate – CBS News

Ossoff and Collins trade personal attacks during heated Georgia Senate debate  CBS News

In a combative Georgia Senate debate Thursday night, incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and his challenger, Republican Rep. Mike Collins, wasted no time trading blows on the economy, tariffs, healthcare cuts, data centers and more.As he has in recent months, Ossoff accused Collins of having ties to white nationalists and being blindly loyal to President Trump. He called Collins a "bigot" and questioned his fitness for office. Collins rejected those accusations, saying he has condemned racism and antisemitism, while repeatedly portraying Ossoff as a radical liberal out of step with Georgia voters. Georgia's Senate race has drawn considerable national attention heading into the midterms. Ossoff is the only Senate Democrat running for reelection in a state that President Trump won two years ago.

Keeping the seat is vital to Democratic hopes of reclaiming a Senate majority. Collins has been endorsed by Mr. Trump, who called the Republican lawmaker a "true Friend, Fighter, and WARRIOR" ahead of June's GOP Senate primary runoff. In September, Collins also received the endorsement of outgoing Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who had originally backed his runoff opponent, former college football coach Derek Dooley. Ossoff has been endorsed by former President Barack Obama, who recorded radio ads for him. He has also been endorsed by other Democratic leaders, including former Vice President Kamala Harris.Inflation takes center stageCollins