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Democratic debate kicks off with Donald Trump Jr using 'Pocahontas' insult against Elizabeth Warren

Massachusetts senator receives first question of the night

Andrew Buncombe
Seattle
Wednesday 26 June 2019 17:17 EDT
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Democratic debate: Elizabeth Warren on who the current economy is working for

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The Democratic debate got off to an unexpected start when Donald Trump Jr used a racial slur to deliver an online insult to Elizabeth Warren.

The Massachusetts senator, who has impressed many people with her firm grasp on the economic problems facing millions in the country, received the first question of the night, when it was suggested to her that many Americans were happy with the economy as it stood.

“Who is this economy really working for,” Ms Warren responded.

“It’s doing great for a thinner and thinner slice at the top.”

She added that it was working well for “giant oil companies” and those who want to invest in private prisons, but not for those struggling and Americans facing the effects of climate change.

She added: “We need to make structural change in our government, in our economy and in our country.”

But almost as soon as Ms Warren had delivered her answer, Donald Trump Jr, the president’s oldest son, retweeted a tweet from Republican strategist Andrew Surabian.

“Can Someone please inform Pocahontas that under Donald Trump we have record low unemployment for African Americans and Hispanics,” Mr Surabian wrote, using the name the president has often in reference to Ms Warren and her claims of indigenous heritage.

Mr Trump Jr retweeted the post, with the words: “Real news.”

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