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James Talarico's Absence Sparks Controversy in Texas Senate Race
Confirmed
In Short: Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico is facing criticism for his recent absence from public events and media appearances, including a scheduled interview with Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico is facing criticism for his recent absence from public events and media appearances, including a scheduled interview with Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC. Talarico's campaign has cited health issues, but his opponent, Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has called for proof of life, suggesting Talarico is hiding from voters.
On Wednesday, Kimmel announced that the Talarico interview would be moved to YouTube due to concerns over FCC targeting of ABC and other talk shows. Kimmel cited the need to protect ABC affiliates in Texas from potential FCC repercussions. Talarico, however, expressed hope that the interview might still air on ABC in some form.
Talarico's absence has become a significant issue for Democrats, who believe his best asset is his ability to connect with voters in person. His campaign has defended his decision, stating that he was suffering from the flu and would return to the campaign trail over the weekend.
Paxton's campaign has seized on Talarico's absence, calling for a photo of Talarico with a newspaper showing today's date. Paxton's campaign manager, Madison Cercy, said, 'We have a simple request: proof of life.'
Talarico's campaign has responded to Paxton's criticism, with spokesman JT Ennis stating, 'After holding more than 100 public events and shaking tens of thousands of hands, James came down with the flu but will be back on the trail this weekend.'
The controversy has also drawn attention to Talarico's broader campaign strategy. Talarico's absence has raised questions about his ability to engage with voters, especially as he faces a strong challenge from Paxton in the Republican primary.
Despite the controversy, recent polls show Talarico leading Paxton in the race. A Marist survey revealed that Talarico has a six-point lead over Paxton, with 50 percent of respondents supporting Talarico and 44 percent supporting Paxton. However, Talarico's support among white evangelical Christians is notably low, with 75 percent preferring Paxton.
Talarico's campaign has also faced criticism for his previous statements on gender and religion. Breitbart reported that Talarico believes there are six biological sexes and has made controversial statements about his religious beliefs, including a prayer that some have described as 'Pagan.'
What this adds
The controversy over Talarico's absence has overshadowed his previous fundraising efforts and media appearances, such as his visit to New York for a private fundraiser and his virtual appearance at the Hispanic Business Council event.
What's confirmed
- Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico is facing criticism for his recent absence from public events and media appearances, including a scheduled interview with Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC. Talarico's campaign has cited health issues, but his opponent, Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has called for proof of life, suggesting Talarico is hiding from voters.
- On Wednesday, Kimmel announced that the Talarico interview would be moved to YouTube due to concerns over FCC targeting of ABC and other talk shows. Kimmel cited the need to protect ABC affiliates in Texas from potential FCC repercussions. Talarico, however, expressed hope that the interview might still air on ABC in some form.
- Talarico's absence has become a significant issue for Democrats, who believe his best asset is his ability to connect with voters in person. His campaign has defended his decision, stating that he was suffering from the flu and would return to the campaign trail over the weekend.
- The controversy has also drawn attention to Talarico's broader campaign strategy. Talarico's absence has raised questions about his ability to engage with voters, especially as he faces a strong challenge from Paxton in the Republican primary.
- Despite the controversy, recent polls show Talarico leading Paxton in the race. A Marist survey revealed that Talarico has a six-point lead over Paxton, with 50 percent of respondents supporting Talarico and 44 percent supporting Paxton. However, Talarico's support among white evangelical Christians is notably low, with 75 percent preferring Paxton.
What's still developing
- “I think it’s the most dangerous form of cancel culture,” Talarico said Thursday.
- “We’d rather have him on the trail.” At the Hispanic Business Council event, Talarico appeared virtually and was blowing his nose and coughing through the event.
- Talarico only sees a one-point advantage among Gen X – 49 percent to 48 percent – while those part of the Baby Boomers, Silent, and Greatest generations prefer Paxton by a 23-point margin.
- WATCH — “In Your Many Names We Pray” — James Talarico’s Pagan Prayer to “Jesus”: The survey was taken September 17-20, among 1,139 registered voters.
- Gen Z, for instance, backs Talarico by a 56-point margin – 74 percent to 18 percent for Paxton.
- In a recently unearthed Easter sermon, Rigby doubted the resurrection of Jesus – the cornerstone of the Gospel – and concluded that the real message is people need to “see the sacred in every being,” including plants.
- Rigby has also said that he is on the “same team” as atheists.
- He visited New York on Sept. 29 for a private fundraiser, and, according to the virtual remarks he gave to the Hispanic Business Council the next day, he returned to Dallas and visited urgent care.
- “Look, he’s got, like, $80 million of ads going right now. So I think that’s pretty good scale for him at the moment,” Espinoza said.
- “It’s certainly not ideal, but we want to make sure he does everything he needs to to make sure that he’s healthy and ready to go. We’re in the homestretch, and it sounds like he’s on the mend, and that’s great news,” Scudder said.
- “You know, for a lot of years, for the whole 20-plus years of our show, in fact, I’ve been interviewing Americans who are running for office with no problem at all, just like Letterman did, Leno did, Arsenio, etc. etc., I’ve interviewed a lot of political candidates. From Hillary Clinton to Ted Cruz to Donald Trump,” Kimmel added.
- Another two percent said “other,” and four percent said they do not know or refused to answer.