POLITICSDIFFERENT FOCUS10/12/26

Talarico's Flu Absence Explained

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico attributed a roughly two-week campaign absence to having the flu.

Photo: NBC News

DIFFERENT FOCUS

NBC News emphasized Candidate Clears the Air; Breitbart News emphasized Unanswered Questions, Media Bias.

LEFT FOCUS

▸During his return interview, Talarico again challenged Republican opponent Ken Paxton to a debate. — NBC News

RIGHT FOCUS

▸Republican strategist Caroline Wren argued Talarico owes voters answers, saying candidates who can't handle the trail can't handle the Senate. — Breitbart News
▸Wren criticized reporters for failing to press Talarico for more details after his return. — Breitbart News
▸His last in-person Texas campaign appearance before the absence was placed at September 26, per Wren. — Breitbart News

Talarico's Flu Absence Fallout

At a CNN town hall, Talarico defended his nine-day flu absence and criticized Paxton for conspiracy theories.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Oct 12: Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico attributed a roughly two-week campaign absence to having the flu.

Thursday: Talarico defends flu absence, attacks Paxton conspiracy claims

Left: Paxton allies falsely called it a mental health crisis.

Right: Talarico says he'd handle his flu absence the same way.

DOJ charged 28 noncitizens and arrested 11 in California under 'Operation Protect the Vote.'

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Thursday: The Justice Department gave California 48 hours to review flagged noncitizen voters or face emergency legal action.

Sunday: DOJ threatens criminal prosecution for processing noncitizen ballots

Tuesday: DOJ charges 28 noncitizens, arrests 11 in California

Left: Defendants say they never registered to vote.

Right: DOJ arrests 11, charges 28 noncitizen voters.

The DOJ warned California officials that processing ballots from suspected noncitizens could result in criminal prosecution.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Thursday: The Justice Department gave California 48 hours to review flagged noncitizen voters or face emergency legal action.

Sunday: DOJ threatens criminal prosecution for processing noncitizen ballots

Left: Feds pressure California mid-election with criminal threat

Right: Trump vows jail if noncitizen ballots are counted

Trump held a campaign rally in Wichita, Kansas, Monday to boost Sen. Roger Marshall.

Left: sees slurs, hecklers, and a troubled race.

Right: sees a packed arena and roaring crowd.