Talarico challenges ‘Low T’ Paxton to debate
The TMZ debate idea is the most interesting part of this. A Texas Senate race playing out on an outlet known for celebrity gossip is unusual, but it says a lot about how campaigns reach voters these days. Talarico is clearly trying anything to get Paxton in front of a camera, and picking a venue with a built-in audience is a smart move for a challenger who needs attention.
Paxton has been silent on the invitations, which is a common play for someone who thinks he is ahead. But it also hands Talarico a talking point: the attorney general is ducking him. Whether that lands with voters is another question. Debates rarely change minds, but they do give undecided people a chance to see two candidates side by side, and skipping them can look like avoidance.
I would want to know what Paxton's team is thinking. If he is confident, a debate could be a chance to put the race away. If he is worried about a slip-up, staying quiet makes sense. Either way, the headline jab about "Low T" tells you the tone this race is taking, and it is only going to get rougher from here.