CNN anchor Laura Coates challenged Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) over her refusal to campaign alongside Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico, despite her own calls for higher voter turnout.
According to Mediaite, Crockett, who lost to Talarico in Marchs Democratic primary, has faced criticism from the left for declining to back him in his race against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, a conservative favorite frequently targeted by national Democrats. Coates highlighted Crocketts ability, much like President Donald Trump on the right, to energize voters and pressed her on whether she would lend that magnetism to Talarico if asked.
I will be campaigning down ballot, Crockett replied, before adding, I think that what matters most only to be cut off as Coates pressed, Why the distinction? Crockett argued that Democrats should not pin their hopes on a single contest, pointing to failed high-profile campaigns such as Beto ORourkes and warning that Texas voters must be motivated by more than one marquee race.
I understand, but is it an either-or? Coates asked. Either you excite the down ballot or you? Crockett insisted it was, in fact, a trade-off, stressing that Texas is a big state and that she was really invested in a number of candidates that I didnt get to do anything for because I was running my own Senate race.
Though Crockett formally congratulated Talarico and paid lip service to Democratic unity against Paxton, she has repeatedly signaled skepticism about his viability. She has dismissed enthusiasm around his candidacy and waved off his favorable polling, remarking earlier this month, When I look at the money, if Republicans start spending money in Texas, then Ill be convinced.
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