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Talarico defends flu absence as Paxton fuels conspiracy theories

Democratic Senate nominee stands by nine-day illness leave as conspiracy theories spread ahead of Texas early voting.

newest coverage 8h agosummary written 5h ago3 pieces Google NewsNewswires

What to know

  • Talarico defended his nine-day flu absence as the responsible choice and said he wouldn't change his decision.
  • Conservative activists and Ken Paxton spread false conspiracy theories claiming Talarico had checked into a mental hospital in Ohio, dropped out, or died—claims the hospital and Talarico denied.
  • The Democratic nominee characterized the conspiracy theory spread as part of a "rage economy" designed to drive online engagement and clicks for social media billionaires.
  • Early voting begins Monday in a tight race where most polls show Talarico holding a slight edge over Paxton.

“Conspiracy theorists can post anything they want on the internet. They get clicks. The billionaires who own these platforms get rich. We all get angry, and nobody's life gets any better.”

James Talarico, Democratic Senate nominee · Washington Examiner ↗

James TalaricoJames Talarico Democratic Senate nomineeKen PaxtonKen Paxton Republican Attorney General and Senate opponent

Talarico defends flu absence as Paxton fuels conspiracy theories
Washington Examiner

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  1. upcoming

    Talarico defends flu absence at CNN town hall; calls conspiracy theories 'rage economy' — During a CNN town hall hosted by Erin Burnett in Fort Worth, Texas, Talarico said he wouldn't change how he handled his absence, calling it the "responsible" decision. He accused Paxton and conspiracy theorists of fueling false claims that received millions of views online.

  2. background

    Talarico returns to campaign trail — After more than a week away with the flu, the Texas Democrat returned to the campaign trail last weekend, directly responding to the conspiracy theories that had circulated during his absence.

  3. background

    Ken Paxton and conservative activists spread conspiracy theories — While Talarico was absent, Ken Paxton criticized the Democrat's absence on social media and his campaign called for "proof of life." Conservative activists spread rumors that Talarico was struggling with mental health and had retreated to an Ohio hospital, which the hospital denied.

  4. background

    Talarico discloses flu diagnosis on Hispanic Business Council call — During a virtual call with the Hispanic Business Council, James Talarico disclosed that he had been diagnosed with the flu, leading to his withdrawal from the campaign trail.