In a hysterical interlude on Meet The Press Sunday, Senator Tim Scott was reduced to the "I know you are, but what am I?" defense of corrupt Ken Paxton, who is running against James Talarico in a neck-and-neck race.
Host Kristen Welker listed off much of Paxton's scandal-laced resumé as a Texas politician before asking why Sen. Scott supports him.
WELKER: Democrat James Talarico, as you just said, facing off against Ken Paxton.
Paxton has faced allegations of bribery, fraud, abuse of power. He was impeached by his own party.You endorsed Senator John Cornyn in the primary against Paxton.
So why do you now believe Ken Paxton has the character to serve in the U.S. Senate?
SCOTT: Well, I can tell you this.
What we know with great clarity is that James Talarico does not have the character to serve in the United States Senate, nor does he have the right issue, right position on the issues that Texans care most about.
I'll say it very clearly and I'll say it again. James Talarico is out of step, completely out of step with Texans.
Huh? Is Sen. Scott suggesting that a candidate for the US Senate must must face bribery, fraud, and abuse charges. Must admit to committing adultery while being impeached by his own party to get his support?
Welker asked again.
WELKER: But does Paxton have the character to serve? He was impeached by his own party.
SCOTT: Kristen, at the end of the day, the contrast is clear and simple.
James Talarico will not be the senator for Texas. And there are a host of reasons, from his position on the faith to his position on taxes to his position on boys playing against girls in sports.
What we know with great certainty is that we will keep Texas red to the roots.
Scott could not offer one positive virtue of Ken Paxton, hence the whataboutism.
In this case there is no whataboutism since Republican can't find anything with which to attack him. Talarico holds a Masters of Divinity, has served as a state legislator with an exemplary record, and has also never been impeached, or accused of bribery, fraud and abuse of power.
There's a reason the Cook moved Texas from lean Republican to toss-up.
According to the average of polls from RealClearPolitics, 46 percent of Texas voters say they’ll support Talarico, while 45 percent say they back Paxton.
It should be more like 100 percent supporting Talarico, but this is what we have.
