Overview
- In the Aug. 3 debate the candidates confronted each other sharply as Rep. Seth Moulton accused Sen. Ed Markey of appearing in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files and questioned why Markey would meet a lobbyist on Epstein’s behalf.
- Markey denied any ties to Epstein on stage and called the allegation reprehensible, and reporters have not independently verified the specific linkage Moulton cited.
- Moulton offered a direct apology on stage for prior comments about transgender athletes, saying he was sorry if his words hurt the trans community, while Markey pressed the point to question Moulton’s judgment.
- The candidates also sparred over age, term limits, and financial ethics, with Markey attacking Moulton’s reported defense-sector investments and Moulton saying those assets came from his wife and are now in a blind trust.
- The debate sharpens a close race with one final primary debate set for Aug. 20 and the Sept. 1 primary approaching, and the outcome could shape the Democratic nominee who will face the Republican in November.