Texas Senate candidate Talarico comments on democracy in resurfaced interview

<p>Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico stated in a resurfaced interview from June 2, 2024, that the United States was experiencing a "backsliding" on democracy and suggested that Americans should look to countries in Western Europe for "inspiration." Talarico made these remarks during an appearance on "The Weekend Show" with Anthony Davis on the MeidasTouch Network, prior to becoming the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas.</p><p>"We haven't lived up to the promise of democracy," Talarico said. "And of course, some countries are farther along than others, and sadly, here in America, where that experiment started, we are backsliding." He expressed concern about this situation, stating, "And that troubles me greatly. But all of us still have so much more work to do to create a true democracy."</p><p>Talarico also emphasized that Americans should look to other countries, "especially in Western Europe," for guidance on how to progress in achieving a true democracy and a "beloved community." The clip gained renewed attention on social media, including a response from Elon Musk, who replied with the word: "No."</p><p>In response to inquiries about the resurfaced remarks, Talarico's campaign defended his comments. Spokesperson JT Ennis stated, "James agrees with the majority of Texans that America is the greatest country in the world, Texas is the greatest state in the union, and we should always fight for a more perfect union."</p><p>Talarico, a former middle school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian, gained national attention earlier this year after defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, for the Democratic Party's U.S. Senate nomination. He is set to face Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the general election.</p><p>Republicans have highlighted Talarico's past remarks during the campaign, including statements about his views on Christianity and the American flag. Talarico's campaign has responded to criticism by asserting that he is a devout Christian who critiques the misuse of Christianity to justify negative actions. In July, the conservative political action committee Lone Star Liberty criticized Talarico for calling the American flag a "complicated symbol," to which his campaign responded that he believes the flag represents "freedom, opportunity, and hope."</p><p><i>Fox News Digital's Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.</i></p>