DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – Texans are buzzing about the proposed debates between Senator Ted Cruz and challenger Beto O’Rourke.
Political analysts said the possible five-debate series will be more than Texans have seen for a statewide race in years.
Back in April, O’Rourke challenged Cruz to six debates and requested to to be in Spanish.
Cruz’s campaign manager announced the incumbent has agreed to five.
The first proposed debate would be in Dallas on August 31st, where the two would discuss the national economy, jobs, federal regulation and taxes.
Southern Methodist Political Science Professor Dr. Cal Jillson said there are some pros and cons for O’Rourke heading into the debates.
“He’s generated a lot more excitement…raised a lot more money than anyone expected him to but he is running in a red state,” he said.
Jillson said Cruz, who is known for his debating skills, will have to paint his challenger as too progressive for Texas which means O’Rourke will have his work cut out for him.
“He needs to stand toe to toe with Cruz and show that he can not only debate him but maybe land a blow that will open up this race from his perspective,” he said.
Jillson said both Cruz and O’Rourke will have to energize their bases to show up on election day.
The other proposed debates from the Cruz campaign include:
September 14th in McCallen discussing “Criminal Justice/Supreme Court/Border Security/Immigration
September 21st in San Antonio discussing “National Security/Foreign Policy”
October 5th in Houston discussing “Texas Economy/Energy/Trade”
October 12th in Lubbock discussing “Obamacare/Healthcare”
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