Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley interrupted his Democratic opponent, Lucas Kunce, speaking at the Missouri State Fair on Thursday and demanded a debate.
The video shows Hawley moving through the crowd and pursuing Kunce, who he spots at a ham breakfast hosted by the governor. According to To the Kansas City Star.
“Let's go find Lucas Kunce. Come on, let's go find him. Where has he been?” Holly said as she entered the venue. “I haven't seen him, but have you guys seen him? He hasn't come out of the basement in two weeks. Let's go find him.”
When the Missouri senator found Mr. Kunce and challenged him to a debate, Mr. Kunce quickly stepped forward and shook Mr. Hawley's hand.
“Lucas Kuhns! Are we having a debate today?” Holly asked.
“How are you doing?” Kunce said.
“Are we having a debate today?” Hawley asked again.
“I don't know what you're talking about,” Kunce said.
“Don't you know? I read that stupid letter you sent to the Farm Bureau. Are you going to sue the Farm Bureau?” Hawley retorted.
“Dude, you're really obsessed with this. You're really obsessed with this,” Kunce replied.
Kuns has been hiding for two weeks and I finally found him today. And he still won't argue. But I'm here. pic.twitter.com/aRjKIByq5b
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) August 15, 2024
The video shows another man approaching Hawley and trying to stop the confrontation, but Hawley continued to press Kunce about the debate, asking the man who identified himself as “with” Kunce if he would like to bring a Democratic candidate to the debate. (Related: Daughter of deceased Democratic congressman announces run for Congress)
“Let's do it! Are you ready? I'm ready. I'm all set,” Holly told Kunce. “Just say no? Come on, dude.”
Well, Kunsth refused to debate, but I found him! pic.twitter.com/ARiL57BaVx
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) August 15, 2024
Hawley initially invited Kunce, a Democrat, to debate at the Missouri State Fair after the Democrat won the primary on Aug. 6. Kunce did not take Hawley up on the offer but did accept an invitation to the debate to be aired on KSDK and KSHB, according to the Kansas City Star.
In a video reposted by Kunce, a group of 12 State Fair attendees can be seen chanting “TV debate” as Hawley speaks.
“TV debate! TV debate! TV debate!” – Union members rally to demand TV coverage #Mosen A debate for all to see, because Missouri voters deserve it.Lucas Kunsth MO I accepted all of it. Holy MO Neither is accepted. https://t.co/Y8Yg686JOs
— Caleb Cavarretta (@CalebCavarretta) August 15, 2024
The Missouri State Fair Board released a statement Friday trying to head off the controversy.
August 9, 2024
Missouri State Fair CommissionRecently, there was an inquiry about the possibility of holding a political debate at the State Fair.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate requests to hold political debates within the venue during MSF. Holy MO I lied. pic.twitter.com/YdfhP9HsT1— Jane (@PlaintanJane) August 10, 2024
“Recently, there have been inquiries regarding the possibility of political discussions at the State Fair. The Missouri State Fair Board believes the State Fair should continue to highlight the work of young exhibitors in Missouri's agriculture industry,” the statement read.
“The committee has been working hard over the past year to set its 2024 agenda,” the statement continued. “Therefore, we are unable to accommodate any requests to host political debates on our grounds during the Missouri State Fair.”
