Takeaways from the debates at the Kansas State Fair

The debates are a tradition. Attendees bring signs and campaign swag. And politicians avoid it at their own peril.
Published: September 18, 2026
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The debates are a tradition. Attendees bring signs and campaign swag. And politicians avoid it at their own peril.

The Kansas State Fair political debates over the weekend made national news, especially the part where the crowd chanted “Shame on you! Shame on you!” at Republican Sen. Roger Marshall as he sought to downplay aggressive billing practices of his pre-Congress medical practice in Great Bend.

The State Fair Debate is a Kansas tradition. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and campaign swag and cheer for their candidates. And politicians avoid it at their own peril.

I’ve been to probably 10 or so, including Saturday’s, and I’m here to tell you that as bad as the video makes it look, it was way worse in person for the Republican candidates.

Dion Lefler – Wichita Eagle

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