Alex Vindman still mulling over Angie Nixon Primary debate

Alex Vindman said he hasn’t decided if he will debate his Democratic Primary opponent Angie Nixon in the race for the U.S. Senate’s seat.

“I think we’ll make a decision that’s going to be in the best interest of delivering a Democratic win for the state of Florida,” Vindman said when asked if he would debate Nixon ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary.

Vindman said he was considering how to build momentum to head into the General Election when he spoke to journalists Saturday during a gaggle at the Florida Democratic Party’s Leadership Blue conference at Disney World.

Nixon is challenging Vindman to a one-on-one, previously calling it a “job interview with the voters.”

Speaking to reporters, Vindman declined to attack Nixon, a state representative who has made headlines for her protests against Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Angie has been a terrific fighter in the state house. There’s no question,” Vindman said but he said he seeks to make a case to Democratic voters that “I’ve got a track record as a public servant” and has a history of overcoming “serious challenges.”

Vindman’s career includes being injured on his Army deployment in Iraq and later becoming the whistleblower who sparked President Donald Trump’s first impeachment. 

Some online influencers criticized Vindman for avoiding them at Leadership Blue Saturday and refusing to take their questions.

Vindman downplayed the exchange, saying, “I’m happy to answer questions. As you can see, I’m here talking to a whole host of press to answer questions.”

Vindman took questions for 30 minutes with media outlets that included the Tampa Bay Times and Florida Politics.

In his remarks with press, Vindman remained focused on his Republican opponent — Sen. Ashley Moody.

“She’s absent. She doesn’t appear anywhere. She’s not making her case. She’s being massively outfundraised,” Vindman said. “Most importantly, it’s a stark contrast between my service record of delivering for Americans and somebody that’s a career corrupt politician.”

Vindman said he has appeared at 200 events over the past five months, proving he is listening and accessible.

“There is not a corner of the state that we’ve left untouched,” he said.