Health care, racism divide Rep. Ben McAdams, Burgess Owens in only debate
SALT LAKE CITY — In their only debate before the November election, Democratic Rep. Ben McAdams and Republican Burgess Owens sparred over some of Owens’ more controversial statements during the campaign, as well as issues including health care and whether there is systemic racism in the United States.
© Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, and Burgess Owens bump elbows after participating in the 4th Congressional District debate at the Triad Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020.
![a man wearing a suit and tie: Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, and Burgess Owens bump elbows after participating in the 4th Congressional District debate at the Triad Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020.](https://www.msn.com/{"default":{"load":"default","w":"80","h":"60","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB19Xwcd.img?h=600&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size3column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"47","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB19Xwcd.img?h=469&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size2column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"47","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB19Xwcd.img?h=469&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"}})
Owens, a former NFL player, author and frequent Fox News guest, said McAdams was using “D.C. tactics” and “fear” when the freshman congressman said that until recently, Owens‘ website called for a repeal of the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare that includes protections for pre-existing conditions.
“Pre-existing conditions are off the table,” Owens said, an apparent reference to promises made by President Donald Trump and