McCaskill, Hawley trade blows in final debate in Kansas City

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) and Attorney General Josh Hawley (R) squared off in Kansas City Thursday for the final debate before the November election.

Topics ranged from divisive rhetoric in politics, to firearm background checks to health care costs.

The first question addressed the heated partisan political climate observed in campaigns across the nation. Both McCaskill and Hawley denounced violence in the name of politics, like recent bomb threats towards politicians. They both later brought up tactics used by their opponent’s party that, they say, inspire division in the political spectrum.

“I am very concerned about the culture of incivility,” Hawley said at the debate in the KMBC studios. “The “Democratic party kicks people they disagree with.”

“We have to turn down the temperature,” McCaskill said. “”I am trying to keep it on the issues.” Later in the debate, McCaskill said Hawley regularly “makes stuff up” when making claims about her political record.

Voters will choose between McCaskill and Hawley at the mid-term elections on Nov. 6.