Around 150 people, mostly elected officials and insiders, gathered at the Joe Paul Theater on campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in order to witness the two men launching personal attacks for a statewide television audience. Hood has been scathing of Reeves in advance of the 2019 governor’s election. Reeves, however, has tried hard to make Hood look like a national progressive while Reeves has focused too heavily on tax incentives for corporations. The two did not steer their debate strategies any other way on Thursday night. They answered 15 questions about a variety of topics. Hood spoke out about Reeves’ refusal to expand Medicaid under Affordable Care Act. “That’s what is happening in our state. They have taken control of our Legislature and it is time for working people it to return.” Reeves did not miss the chance to pair Hood with national Democrats. Reeves stated that the investigation into whether Hood used political pressure to build a road for his gated community was an abuse in power. He released the report at a time that he felt was most beneficial to him during the campaign. His actions would make Hillary Clinton or James Comey blush,” the candidates merged policy proposals with personal attacks. Hood presented his plan to raise teacher salaries, fully fund public education, expand Medicaid to provide health coverage for up to “300,000.” He also proposed cutting the state’s grocery taxes and signing a law that grants equal pay to women. Reeves presented his plan to raise teacher salaries, increase teacher supply funds, and keep working to reduce taxes no matter what revenue hits. Reeves spoke in general terms of the need to improve access to health care without expanding Medicaid, and to continue funding infrastructure improvements. Hood, who is a moderate Democrat, tried to appeal to Republican voters by mentioning Bill Waller Jr. several times. Waller was defeated by Reeves eight points in a Republican primary. Hood used the phrase “drain the swamp” many times. This apparent reference to President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan was also evident. Reeves praised Trump’s endorsement and spoke about the importance and potential for the governor to be reelected. Hood also openly questioned whether Hood would support liberal policies. Hood stated that he believes that the Confederate battle emblem should be removed from the state flag. However, he said that the Legislature should consider whether to change it. Reeves stated that voters in the state should decide that at the ballot box. He also said that all eight state public universities should have the state flag on their campuses. Both candidates stated that they wanted a better Mississippi for the future. Hood stated, “This election is crucial for our children.” Hood stated that we have lost more children than any other state in the country. Our children are leaving because of a 2 percent increase in growth since 2009. It’s because (Reeves), who gave away all his money, our kids are leaving. In his closing statement, Reeves emphasized his family. Reeves stated, “Elee as well as I both grew-up in small Mississippi towns.” “We attended Mississippi public schools. We received jobs in Mississippi after we graduated from Mississippi colleges. “x000D_I am running for governor because my three daughters, as well as your grandkids and grandchildren, graduated from Mississippi colleges.