Rick Scott said Wednesday that, if he were Donald Trump, he would do “as many debates as possible” against Kamala Harris.
But when asked whether he’ll commit to at least one debate against his own Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the Florida Republican deflected.
“I’m watching to see if she’s going to start traveling the state,” Scott told CNN reporter Manu Raju. “She spends all of her time in Miami. I continue to travel the state.”
Scott’s criticism of his opponent’s campaign strategy isn’t the first time that his camp has voiced those sentiments. But in fact, Mucarsel-Powell launched what she says will be a 75-stop tour across the state two weeks ago, which included stops in stops in Orlando and Jacksonville last weekend.
“We’ll see what happens,” Scott replied when asked a second time about a debate.
Shortly after that exchange, Mucarsel-Powell reiterated that she’s already agreed to three statewide televised debates.
“Lucky for @ScottforFlorida, I’ve agreed to debates in West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, and Tampa,” she wrote on X. “Would love to see you on stage since you think debates are so important! That is, if you’re not too scared to debate a Latina like me.”
Scott was in Philadelphia during Tuesday night’s debate there, “clear evidence that Scott knows debates are a key part of the democratic process,” the Florida Democratic Party said in a written statement.
The senator was asked by reporters on Wednesday what he thought of the comment by Trump in the debate that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were abducting eating pets, despite the fact that the story has been denied by Springfield officials, according to the Associated Press.
“I have no idea what’s going on there,” Scott said about the issue in Springfield. “Here’s what I can tell. In Florida we’ve got a great Haitian community. They’re wonderful people. I’ve put in a lot of time into it with them. I have one of my employees [who] is of Haitian background. … I go to churches with Haitians. They’re a big part of our state. They’re a wonderful part of our state.”
Meanwhile, Mucarsel-Powell’s campaign said Wednesday that it had raised more than $1 million with 13,000 first-time donors in the 48 hours after a poll from Emerson College showed her in a statistical tie with Scott.
When asked if he was concerned the race was tightening, Scott’s response was succinct.
“I’m going to work my butt off,” he said.
Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com. Follow Florida Phoenix on Facebook and X.
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rayfusco68
Of course Slick Rick doesn't want to have a televised debate where he will have to answer real questions. He would rather just have his fluff ads and not have to be held accountable for his corruption issues.
5 days ago Report this
Debann
SCOTT IS A LOSER...AND A THEIF
5 days ago Report this
jimandlope
Senator Rick Scott is painful to listen to normally. I can’t imagine him in a debate as I am not sure of how much he actually knows except how to fleece government health programs! I have written to this man several times and have never received an answer except to be put on a mailing list of his office. I do receive his monthly newsletter which guess what? Says nothing. Jim Tierney
5 days ago Report this
Graciela0107
In a debate, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell will show her ability to speak about the issues and show she is the one who is the better candidate to represent the people of Florida in Washington. She is very eloquent, knows the issues and has solutions to the problems that affect our state. As a Latina, she is knowledgeable about the needs of our entire diverse population and has personal experience about immigration and gun violence. Her father was violently gunned down and she talks about the reasons to have gun control in our laws. I would like to see Debbie debate Scott and I know it will be very interesting to see her on the stage having a good, satisfying lunch!!!
5 days ago Report this
Smartins
Rick Scott should be in prison for Medicare fraud. We need to send this Trump want-to-be packing. Am I surprised he won't debate? Not at all. It would be hard to defend his record, both in the health care world and in government.
4 days ago Report this