Polling of this area before the latest school shooting might have supported that, but I think even here the tide is turning. Saccone proved to be more odious on the topic when he offered "thoughts and prayers" for the victims.
I think Lamb scored points with his commitment to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He said the first legislation he would propose would be for 90 day in-patient treatment programs for heroin addiction, and then make sure they had health insurance for ongoing treatment.
Saccone blew off a question about the Mueller indictment and stated that it VINDICATED Trump! When a follow-up was asked about the Russian interference in our elections, Saccone completely blew it off. He said it was nothing new the Russians have been doing this for years and no one he talked to cares. I think Lamb's response was one of his best, stating it was a duty to protect free and fair elections, a cornerstone of our democracy. He went on to promote the area's pool of talent (Carnegie Mellon grads and the Pittsburgh FBI office's 'cybersquad'). Saccone had a little of a fake meltdown over this, playing the victim, saying Lamb insulted him and then touted his military record.
Saccone time and time again supported Trump and Paul Ryan 100%. He would not even criticize Trump's tweet about his nuclear button being larger than Kim Jong Un's. The quip about the only thing he disagreed with Trump was on football teams was insipid. His answer on the deficit caused by the tax cuts was a non-answer. Magic pixie dust will make the deficit disappear would have been a more cogent response.
Saccone stated he was against medical marijuana citing some bogus "research". Lamb was asked would he as a former federal prosecutor have upheld federal law and prosecuted medical marijuana users. Lamb stated he stated he was in favor of medical marijuana and that as a former prosecutor he would not have pursued prosecution under federal law against users because we have much bigger priorities.
Overall, Lamb was more poised, more serious and came across as more independent. Saccone's attempt at jokes fell flat and he offered no daylight between himself and the "agenda" of Trump and Paul Ryan. He stated numerous times that he wanted to "repeal and replace Obamacare." He said the claim about his excessive expense account usage was from a "left wing source" even though the question was posed by John Delano based upon statistics that are available to the public.
The contrast in their physical appearances was marked. Lamb is young, tall and appears physically fit. Saccone is short and looks much older than his age (he just turned 60). He looks like he has eaten a few too many big lobbyist-paid meals.
There is apparently another debate scheduled for March 3.
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