Roll the tape: A look back at memorable Arkansas debates

It’s debate week in Arkansas.

Candidates for the state’s top races on the ballot this year are squaring off over the next four days in Conway as Arkansas TV hosts a series of debates.

Debates may not necessarily win an election, but they can provide memorable exchanges and fodder for political attacks. 

To prepare for this week’s debates, here’s a look at some recent debates in Arkansas politics.

2022: Sanders’ debate debut

Sarah Huckabee Sanders had experience fielding questions from her time as White House press secretary, but 2022 was her first experience debating as a candidate.

Sanders faced Democrat Chris Jones and Libertarian Ricky Dale Harrington in the debate on Arkansas public television. 

Sanders will debate Democratic nominee Fred Love and Libertarian Colt Shelby Tuesday.

2020: Another Cotton-less debate

The Senate debate this week won’t include Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, who’s being challenged by Democrat Hallie Shoffner and Libertarian Jeff Wadlin.

Cotton, who is seeking a third term, has so far only agreed to a debate with Shoffner on a conservative Christian media outlet.

Cotton opted out of the Arkansas public television debate six years ago. That year, the only Democrat who was running dropped out after the filing period ended. 

Without Cotton, the debate only featured Harrington, who was the Libertarian nominee.

2014: A bruiser of a Senate debate

Cotton participated in two debates in 2014 when he successfully challenged then-Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor. 

More than $50 million was spent by both sides in the nationally watched race for Senate that year, and the debates reflected just how intense the campaign had begun.

One of the most memorable exchanges came when Pryor was asked to define the middle class.

2018: Another time Democrats eyed Hill’s seat

U.S. Rep. French Hill is in a familiar position this year as national Democrats are investing resources to flip his central Arkansas district.

Hill, who debates Democratic challenger Chris Jones this week, has attracted similar attention before. In 2018, Democratic Sen. Clarke Tucker ran against Hill for the 2nd District seat.

Tucker repeatedly criticized Hill for his efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, though questions about healthcare didn’t come up  when they faced off for a debate.

2026: Sanders’ rivals set their sights on her and each other

Sanders wasn’t on stage when Love and Shelby debated at the Arkansas Press Association’s convention earlier this year. But the Republican governor’s policies were the main topic.

Love and Shelby exchanged criticism of each other, but mostly focused on distinguishing themselves from Sanders during the debate. Notably, Love vowed to sign an executive order ending the school voucher program created under Sanders’ signature education law.