Talarico reroutes Paxton’s vegan claims to talk affordability in North Texas
Standing in front of Smokey Joe’s Barbecue in South Dallas, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate James Talarico drove home the points that he will serve Texans and bring down costs if elected by voters to represent them in D.C.
Talarico said while his Republican opponent Ken Paxton lies about Talarico’s diet, he’s going to focus on making sure Texans can afford to eat. Paxton has repeatedly called Talarico a vegan along the campaign trail — a claim that would make many Texans scoff in contempt.
After chowing down on a platter that overflowed with Smokey Joe’s favorites, including at least three kinds of meat, Talarico showed his true colors.
On Monday, Talarico told a massive crowd of 4,000 supporters in Plano that he’s been eating meat since before Paxton’s first indictment in 2015.
Back in front of the local barbecue joint, Talarico said Paxton is a name-caller because he doesn’t have a plan to run on.
“That name-calling doesn’t reduce anybody’s prices. That name-calling doesn’t keep small businesses like this open. That name-calling doesn’t improve anybody’s life,” Talarico said. “I think Texans are tired of that kind of politics, and they’re ready for servant leaders who are going to bring both parties together to actually make a difference in our lives.”
To bring down costs, Talarico proposed getting rid of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, fully fund the Department of Agriculture, protect Texas cattle ranchers, suspend the federal diesel tax and end the war in Iran.
After the press conference, Smokey Joe’s regular Eugene Smith passed the media gaggle without batting an eye and made his way to the window for his weekly order of ribs.
Smith said it’s normal to see a crowd around his favorite barbecue joint. He’s been coming to the South Dallas spot since his friend Smokey Joe opened the place in 1985.
Ribs used to be $8, Smith said. Now, customers spend $26 per pound.
While lower prices would help his wallet, Smith said what he really wants to see out of politicians is honesty.
“Be true to what they said, that’s the main thing,” Smith said before going on to recommend the rib sandwich to the Star-Telegram.