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Boxer And Fiorina Trade Blows In First Senate Debate

Alexandra Tilsley |
September 1, 2010 | 8:39 p.m. PDT

Senior News Editor

The Race for California
The Race for California
They may fall on different sides of the aisle, but Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer and Republican candidate Carly Fiorina both used the same tactic in Wednesday night's Senate debate: attacking the other's past.

Boxer wasted no time in reminding viewers that Fiorina was dismissed from her job as CEO of Hewlett-Packard, and repeatedly referred to the number of jobs outsourced during Fiorina's time with HP.

"My opponent is kind of used to creating jobs in China," Boxer said, in response to Fiorina's position on California's proposition 23. (Fiorina hasn't actually taken a stance.)

Fiorina, meanwhile, did not let voters forget that Boxer has only four bills to her name. Painting Boxer as a failed career politician has been one of Fiorina's go-to campaign strategies since she entered the race.

“The results of her policies are devastating in this state," Fiorina said. "The truth is she is fighting hardest for another six years in D.C."

As many predicted, the two candidates spent more time sparring with each other than answering the questions or addressing the issues. But there were a few notable points:

  • Fiorina supports adult stem cell research, though she is against creating embryos specifically for destruction
  • Boxer intends to push President Obama to develop a clear exit strategy from Afghanistan
  • Fiorina supports the DREAM Act, but not amnesty
  • Boxer is in favor of marriage equality

The debate looked to be a stalemate until the end, when Boxer finished with a closing statement that far outshone Fiorina's. While Fiorina talked about voters' anger, Boxer focused on the differences between herself and her opponent, and once more reminded viewers of the number of jobs Fiorina shipped overseas.

Watch the full video of the debate here.

 

Reach news editor Alexandra Tilsley here, or follow her on Twitter @atilsley.

Reach executive producer Paresh Dave here, or follow him on Twitter @peard33.



 

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