Walks like a duck: The real reasons Marsha Blackburn won’t debate her opponents

Why was U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn unwilling to share a debate stage with her Republican primary opponents for governor, and why will she continue to duck debates with general election opponent Democrat Jerri Green this fall? The stock answer is that there’s no need. Why engage with opponents, campaign consultants will insist, when a front-runner [

By: Bruce Barry

Outlets: Tennessee Lookout

Published: August 24, 2026

Words: 1,200

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago


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Why was U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn unwilling to share a debate stage with her Republican primary opponents for governor, and why will she continue to duck debates with general election opponent Democrat Jerri Green this fall?

The stock answer is that there’s no need. Why engage with opponents, campaign consultants will insist, when a front-runner can choose instead to ignore them, sticking with friendly audiences and tribally sympatico interviewers?

As strategic …

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