The New Hampshire Senate debate was heated Thursday between Maggie Hassan, the incumbent Democratic Senator, and Don Bolduc, the retired Army General. They argued over many subjects including abortion and climate change.

New Hampshire Public Radio hosted the debate which took place less than two weeks before the Nov. 8 elections in the battleground state. It provided candidates with an opportunity to discuss the topics that were most important to Granite State voters.

One moderator asked Hassan about government spending and why voters should “trust her” and the Democrats to solve economic problems facing New Hampshire residents.

“Taking a step back,” Hassan said that inflation is a global phenomenon. Most experts believe the shortage of labor and disruptions in supply chains that are driving it are caused by the war and the pandemic. It is crucial that we immediately do our best to reduce people’s expenses while simultaneously addressing the long-term causes of inflation.

Hassan spoke out about efforts to reduce the cost of heating fuel for Americans and said that she had “pushed the Biden Administration to release more home heat fuel, right now from its reserves, so we can increase supply”, and called for the suspension or the elimination of the federal gas tax.

Hassan said, “These are all things Don Bolduc opposes.” Bolduc also claimed that he “stands with big-oil,” according to the Democratic senator.

Bolduc responded by saying that the American inflation crisis is both a Republican and Democrat problem. This my opponent rejects.

Bolduc stated, “I’m going there to represent Granite Staters who are hurting.” They are suffering because both parties have extreme views. Both sides can’t work together to improve the economy, out-of control spending, and safety and security in this country.

Bolduc stated that Hassan had made many “accusations and lies” about his political views. Bolduc said that he had never been a politician. “She’s ineffective. This is why we have problems. She hasn’t done the right thing in spending $5.2 trillion more between March and August.”

Bolduc was asked what spending he would reduce to “address inflation” if elected. He said that the first thing he would have done was vote for the August bill she voted against. This was to prevent any further spending until we get inflation under control.

He said, “She voted no for this, OK.” “She speaks about all these things regarding Don Bolduc, however Don Bolduc is not yet in the Senate. Don Bolduc will stop these spending, and I will work with commonsense measures to help Granite Staters pay their bills, drive down gas prices, and drive down food prices.

Bolduc replied that he would cut spending by changing all energy policies she had agreed to with Biden – XL Pipeline, More Drilling, More Permits, and More Leases. It doesn’t empower oil industry. Instead, it lowers prices for you. This makes your life more affordable.

He said, “How about $6 Million going to New York to construct golf courses, how much $465,000 going into teaching pigeons to play slot machines, how $7 million going in California to build parks, and how about multi-millions going to Tunisia or Pakistan to study gender transition – that’s their problem, that’s our issue.”

Bolduc on abortion, who previously stated that he opposed a federal ban for the medical procedure in the past, reiterated this position during the debate.

Bolduc told one audience member, “Ma’am! I wish you would pay attention to me because my mask can be read by you.” Bolduc said to one audience member, “I don’t support a federal ban for or against abortion at federal level.”

Bolduc said, “It’s now a state issue that [Hassan] doesn’t understand,” Bolduc agreed. I support New Hampshire’s law. I support Granite Staters. [Hassan] lies. She lies. I have told her in person at several places.

Bolduc also claimed that Hassan’s ads on the topic of abortion were “hurtful.”

“The commercial in which I want to kill mothers is shameful. He said it was disgraceful and brought my 8-year old granddaughter to tears. “I have dedicated my whole life to protecting children and men, and I will continue to do so for the rest of my life. I will never put the life of anyone in danger. These accusations are hurtful.

Hassan responded that Bolduc had a history of “extremism” regarding abortion and that politicians like Don Bolduc can harm women and even cost them their lives in certain cases.

Hassan stated, “This is about women’s fundamental freedoms, their health and safety.” Bolduc has a long history of extremism in this country. On the campaign trail, he stated that he would not vote against anti-choice legislation within the United States Senate. This means that he supports a national ban on abortion.

Bolduc continued to shake his head in disapproval, Hassan saying, “He said that we should rejoice when Dobbs overturned Roe V. Wade.” New Hampshire’s women are not celebrating.

During the debate, Bolduc also spoke out about climate change. He claimed that federal government involvement in climate change was a “complete waste money and a waste time”.

He said, “I believe the state government should do that.” “I believe our state legislatures, governors, will take care our environment really well. The federal EPA has set standards that the state does not agree with ….. I support any effort to protect the environment. But what they aren’t doing and what they are doing in the Green New Deal is hurting Granite Staters.

Hassan, however, said that climate change was a “huge problem” and praised the recent passage the Inflation Reduction Act which she claimed will “promote investments into a cleaner energy economy so we can finally witness completion of big oil and pivot towards a clean-energy economy.”

Hassan said, “Climate change is a major issue. I hear it from small businesses along the coast facing increased sea level rise” “I see it, and hear it from the New Hampshire tourism industry and homeowners.”

According to a poll, Bolduc was ahead of Hassan in the race. Bolduc and Hassan will be facing off in the New Hampshire Senat