Mannion, Williams spar in first Congressional debate
Mannion, Williams spar in first Congressional debate
The candidates clashed over key issues including abortion rights, economic policy and gun control.
The lights and cameras of the Dick Clark Studios stared down both Republican U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams and Democratic state Sen. John Mannion. They sat at a table, shoulder to shoulder, facing off in their first debate against each other. The debate was an in-depth look at the two candidates competing to represent New York’s 22nd Congressional District and was hosted by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Tuesday night.
Moderated by Syracuse.com’s Chris Baker, the debate lasted an hour as the two candidates fielded questions about the economy, abortion, housing, gun control and more that drew the two politicians to undermine and chide each other.
Despite their agreement on certain issues, such as their support for building new nuclear power plants and not cutting Social Security or Medicaid, the candidates got into a heated discussion on larger topics. Here’s what they had to say:
The economy
The economy was the first topic tackled, where Wiliams pointed out the “record inflation” under Biden’s economy, stating the economy was much better three and a half years ago. Mannion recognized the inflation problem, but said the fault was not solely on Biden, referencing the pandemic and other external factors as being major contributors to the problem.
The two then pitted their economic ideologies against each other, with Mannion stating, “corporations and the ultra-wealthy” need to be taxed “their fair share,” in accordance with his proposal of tax cuts for middle-class families and small businesses.
Williams shot back at Mannion’s proposed economic plan, saying taxing corporations is “continuing to punish the companies that are providing jobs.”
Abortion rights
Then, Baker posed the question of abortion, and Williams accused Mannion of portraying his positions as more extreme in his campaign advertisements.
“My opponent consistently lied about everything I’ve said about abortion,” Williams said, “I’m pro life, but I support three exceptions for abortion, which include life of the mother, rape and incest.”
Mannion retorted that his attacks about William’s stance on abortion were motivated by the incumbent’s previous votes and statements, referencing a deleted tweet in which the Republican Sen. called the overturning of Roe v. Wade a “monumental victory.”
“If it’s a monumental victory to take away a woman’s right to choose, then I don’t believe you understand where women are and their supporters in NY-22,” Mannion said.
#NY22’s Brandon Williams called the overturning of Roe a “monumental victory.”
— American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) October 1, 2024
Then he deleted his post. pic.twitter.com/pcBkN53jKQ
Housing
The debate then moved to the topic of housing. Mannion called the problem complex, mentioning prior legislation that has helped fill vacant houses. He stated his plan is to make housing affordable to new families by making first-time homeowner loans more attainable.
Williams replied: “It’s actually fairly straightforward. Prices are set by supply and demand, and the problem that we have, particularly here in New York state, is that there are so many regulations that it’s very difficult to build new housing and to build affordable housing.”
Campaign and elections
Williams, who grew up in Texas, then received a question about his campaign funding, which mostly came from outside of Central New York. He claimed he views these outside funds as combative and necessary to uphold the standards America needs. Mannion, instead, claimed his support has been local, stating most of his donations were from within New York State and NY-22.
The moderator then broke the dense policy questions with some rapid fire ones, asking the candidates what they thought of the current presidential candidates. Both Williams and Mannion expressed concern and reluctance about former President Donald Trump, but they disagreed on Vice President Harris. Williams stated he views Harris as “inexperienced,” while Mannion stated he views her as “motivated.”
When asked about the strife around the last presidential election Williams — who has supported similar policies to the former president — pushed back on Trump’s claims that he lost the election, saying, “political violence in our system is completely unacceptable, and I say that not only as a citizen, but as a military veteran; it is no way to support our Constitution.”
Gun control
On the topic of gun control, Mannion said he would support a ban of military-style assault weapons, such as the ones used in the killings of officers Michael Jensen and Michael Hoosock, and a law establishing universal background checks.
Williams deflected the question and instead claimed Mannion was a supporter — or at least someone who aided in — the hampering of police response. This led Mannion into an impassioned denunciation in which he referenced his lack of involvement with New York’s cashless bail law and his support of police.
“The bail laws that were passed in New York State happened before I was in office, and I listened to my constituents; I went to Albany and I changed those laws,” Mannion said. “It is my opponent that voted against funding the police. I funded them every time in the New York state budget, giving the municipalities every tool they need to keep our communities safe.”
Student loans
Syracuse University graduate student Sheridan Truly then came onto the debate, asking the debaters about student loans. Both candidates agreed the cost of college and student loans are too high. Mannion said he supports a level of loan forgiveness, but Williams stated that Biden’s debt relief is not loan forgiveness. “This is loan transfer, and this whole scheme of the Biden administration trying to buy votes, is actually transferring these loans onto the middle-class taxpayers,” Williams said.
Then Baker brought in Micron’s commitment to build a plant in Central New York, which has stirred fervor in its community. Responding to this question, Williams congratulated and credited Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon for landing the growth opportunity Micron brings. Williams neglected to mention Mannion’s co-prime sponsoring of the Green Chips Act, which helped bring the Micron plant to Central New York. Williams also neglected to mention that he wrote a letter to the editor calling the plant “corporate welfare,” something Mannion drew attention to. The debate moved through topics of Social Security — both candidates agreed that raising the age of retirement would be detrimental — and poverty in Syracuse, where both talked about education and the importance of schooling in helping combat poverty. Williams, in his closing statement, continued to hammer Mannion about his support of Biden and Harris and the problems with inflation associated with them, not standing up for law enforcement and the over-reliance on government spending. “I ask that you please give me two more years and come out and vote,” Williams said. “Recognize the confidence and experience that I bring as a military veteran, as a political outsider and as a businessman to serve.” Mannion closed doting on the beauty of the Mohawk valley, recounting his motives for joining politics and leaving the classroom, and saying, “we absolutely must preserve our democracy, come together and make sure that we live out the true American Dream that our ancestors promised us and we promise our kids.” A recording of Tuesday night’s debate is available below. Central New York community
is a reporter for The NewsHouse.
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