Talarico's Voicemail Debate Challenge to Paxton Is Going Viral

James Talarico wanted a debate, so he did what most of us do when we can’t reach someone: he called and left a message. The difference is, he recorded it and turned it into a campaign ad.“Hey Ken, it’s James, I’m calling to invite you to a debate on Fox News,”he says in the clip, even offering Bret Baier as moderator. Paxton didn’t pick up.

The ad works because of what it highlights: Talarico says he’s accepted four local TV debates, while Paxton has confirmed none. That gap is now the story, and it’s getting national attention. Even BlazeTV’s Pat Gray, Jeff Fisher, and Keith Malinak called the ad effective while questioning whether Paxton is even campaigning to win. Paxton’s campaign did not return USA Today’s request for comment.

Timing matters here. Texans start voting in less than a month, and every day without a debate answer is a day the voicemail keeps circulating. A returned phone call has never been this politically expensive. So what do you think: should candidates be required to debate, or is staying quiet a legit strategy?