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JD Vance Draws Backlash for Gay Punchline About James Talarico

The remark drew swift criticism from political commentators and social media users, who called it a homophobic attack on a straight candidate.

  • On Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance sparked backlash at a Tyler, Texas, campaign rally after appearing to use being gay as a punchline while discussing Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.
  • While supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Vance suggested Talarico is gay and possesses a 'weird search history,' though Talarico is straight and confirmed a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Brianna Menard.
  • Citing Talarico's progressive views, the vice president pointed to a 2021 event featuring an 11-year-old performer named Kween Kee Kee, though Vance admitted he was 'just guessing.'
  • Criticism followed on social media, with users pointing to the irony of Vance's statements given photographic evidence of his own past cross-dressing and memes regarding his alleged penchant for couches.
  • As Texans' early voting period begins in six days, the incident aligns with previous right-wing assertions about Talarico, including political influencer Kari Lake's October 8 claim regarding gender-affirming surgery.
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