Talarico calls Paxton's cell to challenge him to Fox News debate
Texas Democrat James Talarico invites his Republican opponent Ken Paxton to a televised debate; Paxton does not answer.
What to know
- Talarico publicly called Paxton's cell to invite him to a Fox News debate as a campaign tactic; Paxton did not answer.
- The post generated significant engagement (22,000+ score, 581 comments) with mixed reactions ranging from support for Talarico to skepticism about the incident's authenticity.
- Commenters debated whether Paxton's refusal to debate is evidence of avoidance or whether the entire stunt was staged political theater.
The dispute Whether Talarico genuinely has Paxton's personal cell number or if the entire post is campaign theater designed to go viral. · positions read across 143 posts and comments
Talarico's stunt effectively highlights Paxton's cowardice and refusal to debate.
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“Paxton is a criminal and a coward. Just like Tramp.”
cantankerous55.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
The incident is likely staged or exaggerated for political theater.
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“It's probably staged. No idea how Talerico would have Paxton's personal cell number. Hella good ad though!”
raistlin71.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
The best response would be for Talarico to hold a debate with an empty podium for Paxton.
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“So have all the TV stations show up and debate an empty lectern. He'll show up.”
brianwhiting.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
James Talarico Democratic candidate in Texas
Ken Paxton Republican incumbent being challenged
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage postscomments
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“Ken Paxton keeps dodging debates. So I called his cell to invite him to a debate on Fox News. He didn't pick up.”
— jamestalarico.bsky.social -
Ken Paxton keeps dodging debates. So I called his cell to invite him to a debate on Fox News. He didn’t pick up.
2 more of the top 3 · 143 posts in this stretch
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Hey I'm calling about a pen I found that might be yours
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🔥😎 Talarico for U.S. Senate! 💙💙💙 #TeamTalarico
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What people are saying 21 voices from 1 site · best of 143 · verbatim
- Sep 26
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Seems more like a coward! Who wants a coward in office? There are too many GOP cowards already.
- Sep 25
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I’m telling you a guy in a chicken suit showing up at every Paxton event is the way to go. Fascists hate being mocked. Run ads with chickens thanking Paxton for taking their side. Endorsed by chickens everywhere. If you’re a chicken vote Paxton! We’re chickens and we approved this message.
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Paxton won’t answer the call, Talarico will
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Please tell me it will be live streamed somewhere so those of us outside of Texas can laugh at Ken Paxton along with all of those in Texas.
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😂 when I first read that you called his cell I immediately thought of prison cell!!
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it will be nice when "his cell" actually refers to his jail cell
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“I haven’t any courage at all.” “Sometimes, I scare myself.”
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"New phone who dis" "It's Talarico, Ken" "This is Ben. Ben Faxton. You have the wrong number." "I can see you out the window on the phone, Ken." "No, my name is Ben. I clearly just told you."
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PLEASE be ready to contest your election if you don’t win!!! You MUST ask for a recount and audit!! Don’t roll over like Dems did in 2024 😞
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#texas Vote James Talarico & Gina Hinojosa What has Abbot or Paxton done for #texans in 23 yrs Republicans economy UNAFFORDABLE #usa Flip Congress Democrat for Lower Costs Higher Wages Free Health-Child Care Free Public Education Affordable Housing Gun Control Watch Pete Buttigieg Dallas speech
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It's probably staged. No idea how Talerico would have Paxton's personal cell number. Hella good ad though!
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Years ago we had an incumbent who was bulletproof inn a huge military town. The candidate who was running against him was a retired USAF General Dem. We held a debate. The Rep. hadn't responded so we had the debate anyway. We hung an empty suit on a rack in place of the Rep. Dem took questions 1/2
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Continue doing that until Paxton blocks you!! 👏 Apparently, the man who wants the job is also afraid to answer the phone. 📞🤦🇨🇦
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I'd like to see this particular debate covered nationally.
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So have all the TV stations show up and debate an empty lectern. He'll show up.
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Paxton is a criminal and a coward. Just like Tramp.
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James was way more polite than I would be leaving that message. 🤣
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On brand not just for Paxton but for every Republican running for office ~ they can’t defend the indefensible so they hide.
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The fact he didn’t block your number is interesting.
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Invite him to public event, and if he doesn't show, "debate" him anyway?
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This is the kind of discourse we need right now in this country 💖