On Oct. 14, Elissa Slotkin and Mike Rogers met in Southfield, Michigan at WXYZ-TV to discuss key issues for the upcoming election on Nov. 5. During the debate, Slotkin highlighted her past work as a former CIA analyst and her bipartisan collaboration with both Democrats and Republicans in office, working under both President Bush and President Obama. During the hour-long debate, Slotkin affirmed her stances on topics such as the economy and abortion.
Economy
Slotkin began by acknowledging that the cost of living and inflation are the number one issues she hears from citizens. Her plan to tackle inflation included bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., lowering the cost of healthcare and promoting a tax policy that supports the middle class.
“We got to attack the costs that are major parts of our budget: health care, prescription drugs, and childcare. Think of housing — how much people pay on those things. We got to attack those costs,” Slotkin said.
Foreign Affairs
Slotkin emphasized the importance of America having a strong leadership role in the world. She also urged the need for a ceasefire in Israel and the release of hostages. In terms of the Ukrainian conflict, she explained America’s responsibility to defend Ukraine so it can push back against Putin.
“I work for Democrats; I work for Republicans. But the one thing that was consistent is the idea that there should be a strong American leadership role in the world. Obviously, what’s going on in Israel right now is deeply, deeply painful. We need a ceasefire,” Slotkin explained.
Abortion
Slotkin began by affirming her stance that she did not support the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. She also criticized Roger’s past voting record supporting restrictions on abortion.
“I am so sick of people who don’t understand women’s health, who don’t understand reproductive rights, who don’t understand that this is about the rights of our grandchildren having the same rights as their grandmother,” Slotkin said.
Immigration
Slotkin added ethos to her position by explaining her past experiences as a CIA officer and Pentagon official. She enforced the need for the U.S. to secure its border and claimed that Republicans want to see this as a political issue more than wanting to get real work done about it.
“What’s going on at the southern border is a symptom of a broken immigration system … Every country in the world has the right to know who’s coming in its borders. We’ve got to do more to secure it,” Slotkin argued.
Gun Violence
Slotkin began by explaining how her dad taught her to shoot and how she carried a Glock during her tours in Iraq. However, she argued that it is the responsibility of leaders to protect children, specifically when it comes to gun violence.
“All you need to know is gun violence is the number one killer of children under 21 in our country. Are you going to do something about it, or are you not? My opponent doesn’t want to do anything about it,” Slotkin said.
Education
Slotkin solidified her position that it is the Federal government’s responsibility to ensure that schools get fully funded, specifically touching on how teachers are leaving jobs due to low pay. Slotkin also showed her support for public schools and criticized Betsy DeVos for her previous support for private schools.
“It’s the responsibility of any leader to make sure that the next generation gets educated. Everyone has equal access to education no matter where you live … For me, I believe in strong public schools,” Slotkin explained.
Financial Stability
Slotkin argued that all Americans deserve access to affordable healthcare and prescription drugs. She also touched on her recent vote to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices down.
“I believe that in the United States of America, all people deserve access to healthcare they can afford, and prescription drugs are way, way out of people’s price ranges,” Slotkin argued.
