Lauren Boebert's Democratic rival accuses her of disrespecting veterans and having a “meltdown” on the debate stage

Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert was accused of disrespecting veterans and “losing her temper” during a heated debate with her Democratic rival.

The Colorado congressman went head-to-head with Democratic challenger Trisha Calvarese on the debate stage at Ravenna Golf Club in Littleton, Colorado, on Tuesday, as the two clashed over the economy, Social Security and veterans.

The rivals traded blows for nearly an hour, with the most tense moment coming when Calvarese took Boebert to task for voting against the PACT Act, a bill to help American veterans who became sick and died from the toxic effects of fire pits.

“I think if you're going to be 'America First,' you can't put veterans last,” Calvarese said.

“They voted against providing care for veterans who were exposed to cancer-causing poisons and burn pits during the war,” she said. “We definitely have other priorities because I believe we should always take care of our veterans.”

As the hall erupted in loud applause, Boebert scolded her opponent: “Are you finished?”

She then began to defend her voting behavior, countering that she would not vote for “something that we only have 24 hours to read and that is over 2,000 pages long.”

“I have been committed to supporting our veterans since before I was elected and will continue to do so,” she said.

“I have six amendments that have brought financial resources to our veterans. I have pushed for more choice within the VA so that our veterans can go to any doctor and health facility they want and get the care they so desperately need.”

Boebert had already come under fire in 2022 when she booed President Joe Biden during his State of the Union address as he was discussing veterans who had become ill and died as a result of burn pits, including his son Beau, who died of cancer believed to be related to being in burn pits in Iraq.

She then joined many Republicans in voting against the passage of the bill, which would have given sick veterans access to much-needed medical care and social services.

The bill was ultimately passed.

Calvarese has also invited Boebert to participate in another televised debate at the Buell Theater – the Denver venue from which the congresswoman was ejected during a performance of the musical. Beetlejuice last September after she vaped, sang, took flash photos, and allegedly groped her date.

Boebert has not yet committed to a second debate, telling Denver7: “Obviously she feels like she didn't do very well if she's already looking for a second debate.”

After this week's debate, Calvarese said in a post on X: “Lauren Boebert collapsed on the debate stage today. Whether she stumbled to defend her disgraceful record on veterans or had no explanation for missing crucial votes in the House, she was held accountable for her extremism.”

The statement, released by Trisha Calvarese 4 Congress, said the Democrat “held Congresswoman Lauren Boebert accountable for her unprofessional conduct and extreme voices against seniors, veterans and reproductive freedom.”

Calvarese “call[ed] Boebert for disrespecting veterans,” the statement continued.

The Independent asked Boebert for comment.

After a series of controversies, Boebert switched her seat from Colorado's Third District to the more conservative Fourth District, where a seat became vacant following the resignation of Rep. Ken Buck.