There was a fiery back-and-forth Monday as the Massachusetts Democratic primary enters the home stretch.
Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton took part in a Boston 25 and GBH News debate.
The two Democrats sought to distinguish themselves while answering questions about issues like conflict in the Middle East, health care and affordability. One particularly tense exchange, however, came when Moulton questioned Markey on why his name appears in files related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
“Why would you even take a meeting with a lobbyist on behalf of Jeffrey Epstein? How could you do that?” Moulton asked.
“What you are doing right now is absolutely reprehensible,” Markey said. “I have never met Jeffrey Epstein, I don’t know Jeffrey Epstein.”
The opponents addressed the exchange afterward with reporters.
“It’s in the Epstein files that were newly disclosed,” Moulton said.
“I absolutely am disappointed in Congressman Moulton. What I said in the debate is true. What he was doing was reprehensible. It was beneath him, but he did it, and he did it in a way which is reprehensible. It’s unethical,” Markey said.
NBC10 Boston has not been able to review the files that Moulton is referring to yet, although an initial records search of the Department of Justice’s Epstein files database did show several results.
Moderators noted during the debate that many people are named in the “enormous” Epstein files for a variety of reasons.
On stage, focus also moved to trans rights and comments made by Moulton in the wake of Kamala Harris’ 2024 loss.
“He blamed those kids for the loss,” said Markey. “He threw them under the political bus.”
“I deeply recognize your trauma, and I’m sorry if my comments hurt you,” Moulton said.
Asked afterwards if the trans community would listen to that apology, Moulton spoke on what he says is broad, diverse backing from voters.
“I have a number of trans people who are supporting my campaign,” he said.
The pair also addressed the war in Iran, Israel’s actions in Gaza and affordability.
“We have to end the war in Iran. That’s cascading, as an energy price, onto the kitchen tables,” said Markey.
“Housing, health care and education should be human rights,” said Moulton.
Throughout the hour, a consistent conversation unfolded about age in politics.
“What are you going to accomplish in the next six years that you haven’t been able to accomplish in the last 50?” Moulton asked.
“He has a backwards-looking political agenda,” Markey said of Moulton.
John Deaton, the Republican nominee, was also watching.
In a statement he described the debate as “two career politicians arguing over which one is more corrupt than the other.”
Deaton will face the winner of the Democratic primary this November.
Source: News – Boston – necn
