Monday September 13th, 2021
Gay Republican's question booed at second GOP Debate
The second Republican Presidential debate held at the University of Minnesota, was overshadowed last night when a question submitted via Facebook (and on video) ended with the questioner booed by some of the audience, and then encouraged to do so by two of the candidates former Oklahoma Senator Alan Duke and Californian Congressman Alton Moore.
"I am a proud Conservative, I have voted Republican in every election since 1986, I run a small business with my partner, we are being hit with higher taxes from this administration, I agree with Senator Duke on many issues, including his attack on rap music, I agree with him on climate change, the only problem is I am a gay man, how would each of you encourage me to vote for you" . The questioner's identity remained private, and voice disguised at his request. The question was met by boos from many in the audience. It was Alan Duke who replied "frankly sir, I don't want your vote or support, I would only want your support if you changed your lifestyle and returned to god, and gave up your perverted lifestyle".
Apart from Californian Congressman Alton Moore who gave Duke a thumbs up for his answer, the other Republican candidates looked shocked by Duke's answer and to the reaction of some of the audience, it was only former Michigan Congressman Gus Edwards who attempted to challenge Duke's answer, he held up his hand, and tried to reply, but was interrupted by Duke who told the audience "I think we know what to say Congressman Edwards", and was met by a further wave of booing.
That incident overshadowed the whole debate with until that point Duke performing once again well, especially regarding his answer on a question regarding his comments last week that the United States should withdraw from both NATO and the United Nations. He read out comments from two of his opponents, Ohio Senator Ruth Norton-Stewart and Illinois Senator Jasper Irving had made in the past regarding both organisations. Michigan Governor Ben Laurion once again had a good night, whilst the booing incident will be the only thing that this debate will be remembered for.
Afterwards in the spin room it was the Edwards campaign who went onto the offensive "The Congressman was the only candidate on that stage who stood up against two bigots (Duke and Moore), where were the others? It seemed the Republican party used to stand for patriotism, now it seems at least two candidates for President stand for bigotry and hate, whilst six others turn a blind eye to it" his campaign Manager Emma Gould said during an interview with NBS host Mark Bunn.