From Salon · Ashlie D. Stevens · · 1m
James Talarico isn't vegan
Trump's false claim about James Talarico's diet fuels GOP masculinity tests.
In brief
Trump's false claim about James Talarico's diet fuels GOP masculinity tests. Trump falsely claims Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico vomits after eating meat, ignoring his actual diet history. Originally reported by Salon.
Trump's false claim
President Trump claims Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico vomits after eating meat at barbecues.
“I have a feeling Ken likes meat”
Talarico's diet history
James Talarico advocated reducing meat consumption in 2022 but never became vegan.
Campaign denial
Talarico's campaign has repeatedly denied claims he eats meat.
Trump's rally tactics
Trump linked Talarico's meat consumption to political illness in San Antonio.
Meat protocol
Trump's administration promotes a strict 'meat and ferments' diet with specific rules.
Masculinity shift
Traditional meat-and-potatoes masculinity has become a choreographed performance.
Historical context
Gerald Ford bit into a tamale without removing its corn husk in 1976.
Current implications
Talarico must eat Texas barbecue to prove he isn't a fraud in Trump's narrative.
Masculinity performance
The performance of masculinity requires coaching and becomes cringeworthy when repeated.
The short version
Trump falsely claims Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico vomits after eating meat, ignoring his actual diet history.
