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WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Mandela Barnes Wins First Debate, Johnson Left Stumbling Over His Out Of Touch Record

Oct 08, 2022

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Mandela Barnes Wins First Debate, Johnson Left Stumbling Over His Out Of Touch Record

Barnes: “[Ron Johnson] He said that if women don’t like the laws of their state, like the 1849 criminal abortion ban we have here, he said they can move. I can’t think of a more callous, out-of-touch or extreme position to take.”

MADISON, Wis. — Last night, Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes emerged as the clear winner in the Senate debate against Ron Johnson. Lt. Gov. Barnes held Johnson accountable for his dangerous record on abortion, his attempts to cut Social Security, and for putting his wealthiest donors in front of working Wisconsinites.

See what they’re saying about Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes’ standing up for Wisconsinites during debate: 

  • Wisconsin Public Radio: “Johnson said he supported the overturning of Roe because the issue should be decided by states, despite supporting numerous national abortion ban bills prior to the high court’s ruling in June.
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel“Now, the senator called the overturning of Roe vs. Wade a victory,” Barnes said. “He celebrated the court’s decision. And he said that if women don’t like the laws of their state, like the 1849 criminal abortion ban we have here, he said they can move. I can’t think of more callous out-of-touch more extreme position to take.”
  • MSNBC: “He referred to several situations where young women and girls — including a 10-year-old from Ohio who had to travel out of state for an abortion after she was raped — had faced extraordinary challenges in obtaining abortion care after Roe was overturned. ‘That’s Ron Johnson’s America,’ Barnes said.”
  • The Hill: “He celebrated the Dobbs decision,” Barnes said of Johnson. “And he said that if women don’t like the laws of their state, like the 1849 criminal abortion ban we have here, he said they can move. I can’t think of a more callous, out-of-touch or extreme position to take.”
  • Wisconsin Examiner: “A majority of Wisconsinites opposed overturning Roe v. Wade and, given the chance, would amend our state’s draconian 19th century abortion ban. But Johnson knows that there’s no danger the public will get the chance to weigh in, because the Republicans who control the Legislature refused to take up Evers’ call for a special session to create the very referendum process Johnson claims to favor.”
  • Wisconsin State Journal“Barnes went after Johnson for calling to move Social Security and Medicare from mandatory to discretionary spending programs. Such a shift would require congressional budgetary authorization every year — something Democrats say could lead to eliminating those programs.”
  • WEAU: “Then there was the topic of social security, Gov. Lt. Barnes claiming Sen. Johnson called the benefit a “Ponzi scheme” and saying the senator is looking out for his ‘wealthy donors.’”
  • Fox 11: “When asked about social security, Barnes turned on Johnson, saying he had previously called social security candy and a Ponzi scheme.”
  • Politico: “Barnes…slammed Johnson for previously calling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme,” saying his position is abortion is “extreme” and assailing his aide’s ties to a fake electors scheme as ending “with a whole-day assault on the capitol.”

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