From The Texas Tribune · Gabby Birenbaum · · 1m 30s
Trump Calls for Talarico Debate After Illness
Trump demands Talarico debate Paxton after Democrat's flu absence.
In brief
Trump demands Talarico debate Paxton after Democrat's flu absence. Trump pressured James Talarico to debate Ken Paxton after Talarico's flu-induced campaign absence. Originally reported by The Texas Tribune.
Trump and Paxton attack Talarico
President Trump and Attorney General Ken Paxton criticized James Talarico at a San Antonio rally over his recent flu-induced absence from the campaign trail.
Talarico's flu diagnosis
Talarico revealed he was diagnosed with the flu at a Dallas urgent care the night before a Sept. 30 event with the U.S. Hispanic Business Council.
Talarico's campaign absence
Talarico has been off the campaign trail since late September after his flu diagnosis, which he said he wanted to avoid spreading illness to others.
Trump's debate demand
Trump called for Talarico to 'immediately report to a Debate Stage' against Ken Paxton, framing it as a jab at Talarico's absence from the campaign trail.
Paxton's campaign response
Paxton's campaign has funded missing person posters for Talarico and criticized his absence from campaign events despite attending a New York fundraiser the night before his urgent care visit.
Talarico's debate invitations
Talarico has accepted four debate invitations and challenged Paxton to a Fox News debate, but Paxton has not accepted any of the invitations.
Talarico's return plans
Talarico's spokesperson said he will return to the campaign trail soon for a CNN town hall next week, after his flu diagnosis.
Here's the gist
Trump pressured James Talarico to debate Ken Paxton after Talarico's flu-induced campaign absence.
