On this “Face the Nation” broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan, several key figures were interviewed, including Sen. Raphael Warnock, Democrat of Georgia, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Rep. Mike Lawler, Republican of New York, and Paul Whelan, a Marine veteran freed in a prisoner swap with Russia. The discussions centered around the ongoing election campaign, the issue of voter suppression, and international affairs such as the situation in Russia and Ukraine.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump held dueling rallies, with personal attacks escalating as Election Day draws near. Trump criticized Harris as the worst vice president, while Harris accused Trump of being solely focused on himself and avoiding debates. Issues of voter suppression were raised, with concerns about attacks on the freedom to vote in Georgia specifically referenced by the Vice President.
Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia addressed the issue of voter suppression and the attempts to discourage people from voting. He highlighted the court’s role in pushing back against changes to election rules during the voting process. He emphasized the importance of showing up to vote and not allowing voices to be silenced. The discussion also touched on concerns about political violence in the state.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger responded to claims of voter suppression in Georgia and defended the state’s election laws. He emphasized that all votes in Georgia are recorded on paper ballots, with a high turnout in early voting indicating an engaged electorate. He refuted claims of fraud, citing ongoing audits and security measures in place to ensure fair elections.
In Michigan, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson discussed the high voter turnout and efforts to ensure a secure and accurate election process. She addressed challenges from foreign actors targeting democratic processes and the importance of combating misinformation. The discussion also focused on the need for bipartisan cooperation and addressing divisions within the political landscape.
Paul Whelan, a Marine veteran who was wrongfully detained in Russia for five and a half years, detailed his experience as a hostage and discussed the efforts to secure his release. He highlighted the harsh conditions of his imprisonment, including sleep deprivation, and the challenges faced by other hostages in Russian prisons. Whelan expressed gratitude for his release and his interactions with President Biden and Vice President Harris upon returning to the United States.
