US Midterms: Rubio, Demings Clash in Florida Senate Debate

Facts

In Florida's Senate debate on Tuesday, Sen. Marco Rubio (R) and Congresswoman Val Demings (D) carved out their positions on several hot-button topics, including gun restrictions and abortion.
On guns, Demings accused Rubio of doing “nothing to help address gun violence” and breaking promises he made to the families of victims of a 2018 mass shooting that left 17 people dead in Parkland, Florida.
Rubio initially expressed support for laws that would tighten age restrictions and expand background checks for gun policies, but later changed his opinion — a move he defended in the debate, saying recent mass shootings reveal that gun control laws aren't the answer.
On abortion, the candidates found themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum: While Rubio didn't say whether he would vote for a federal ban, he did declare himself to be "a hundred percent pro-life." Demings, however, voiced her support for a woman’s right to choose up until the time of viability.
Rubio — a one-time presidential candidate — is seeking a third term in the Senate and has focused his campaign on crime and the economy. Meanwhile, Demings — elected to Congress in 2016 and a former police chief — has centered on abortion and climate change.
According to recent polls, Rubio is the favorite in this race, heading Demings 48% to 41%. The midterm election will be held on Nov. 8.

Democratic narrative, as provided by The Washington Post. Despite being at a disadvantage by running in ever-redder Florida, Demings is within striking distance in this race. Rubio, a career politician stuck on reelection autopilot, has nothing to offer other than flimsy policies and empty promises he can't — or won't — act on. With her background and stable ideas, Demings may be the change that Florida needs.
Republican narrative, as provided by Townhall. There's nothing stable about Demings' ideas, as highlighted by her extreme position on abortion, which would allow for an exception late into a mother’s term – a view supported by just a minority of Americans. The Democrat proved she lacks substance and resorted to personal attacks in an attempt to gain favor — a cheap tactic that will unmistakably backfire.