Allred Condemns Talarico’s Alleged “Mediocre Black Man” Comment

Former U.S. Representative Colin Allred has condemned Texas State Representative James Talarico for a comment he allegedly made, referring to Allred as a “mediocre Black man.” The remarks surfaced following a viral video from political content creator Morgan Thompson, who claimed Talarico made the statement during a conversation on January 12, 2023. This incident highlights the escalating tension within the Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate.

Context of the Allegation

In the now-famous video, Allred, who is a candidate in the Democratic primary against U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, urged voters to support Crockett in light of Talarico’s comments. Talarico alleged that his words were mischaracterized, emphasizing he was critiquing Allred’s campaign style rather than making a racial remark.

Talarico’s Response

• Talarico admitted to describing Allred’s “method of campaigning” as “mediocre” but stressed he held respect for Allred as a fellow Black man.
• He stated, “As a Black man in America, Congressman Allred has had to work twice as hard to get where he is.”
• Talarico acknowledged that his choice of words could be interpreted in light of America’s troubling history with race.

The Impact of the Comments

Allred’s public condemnation of Talarico indicates a fractious atmosphere in the primary, which has drawn criticisms regarding the conduct of intra-party debates. Former staff member Ali Zaidi defended Talarico, claiming that these types of statements were uncharacteristic of his behavior.

Allred’s Critique of Talarico’s Campaign

In his video, Allred criticized Talarico for using praise for Black women to disguise negative commentary about Black men. He condemned Talarico’s focus on his Christian beliefs in his political identity, asserting that they were redundant in the current political landscape.

Endorsement of Jasmine Crockett

• Allred’s endorsement of Jasmine Crockett marks a shift in strategy as he seeks to establish a distinct voice among potential Democratic candidates.
• The 2024 political landscape illustrates a clear divide, with Crockett gaining significant support from Black voters.

Polling Insights

According to a mid-January poll, Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico were neck-and-neck as the primary date approaches on March 3, 2024. The survey indicated that 75% of Black likely primary voters favored Crockett, posing a challenge for Talarico, who draws predominantly white and Latino support.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Talarico highlights critical issues regarding representation and conduct in political campaigns. As the primary approaches, the implications of these comments could resonate deeply within the Democratic Party and its voter base.