Talarico says he wouldn’t change how he handled nine-day flu absence
Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico called out his opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, for fueling conspiracy theories during his nine-day absence with the flu, saying he wouldn’t do anything different during a live town hall hosted by CNN on Wednesday night.
TL;DR
- James Talarico, Democratic Senate nominee, defended his nine-day absence due to the flu.
- He accused opponent Ken Paxton and right-wing activists of spreading conspiracy theories during his absence.
- Talarico stated he would make the same decision to stay home if faced with it again.
- He criticized the 'rage economy' where online conspiracy theories generate engagement and profit.
- False rumors circulated that Talarico was struggling with mental health or had been hospitalized in Ohio, which were denied.
- Talarico is in a tight race with Paxton, with polls showing him with a slight edge.
- Early voting is scheduled to begin the following Monday.