As thousands gathered for the first full day of the Texas Democratic Convention in Corpus Christi, Gov. Greg Abbott and his campaign launched a series of counterprogramming attacks. A pair of Texas Longhorns, Buckero and Dallas, were displayed down the street from the convention center, with a towel draped over one of their backs that read, “Don’t Buy the Bull.” The stunt was meant to tie Democrats’ policies to the product of the cattle’s digestive system.

Abbott’s Campaign Tactics

The governor’s campaign also commissioned a van to circle downtown Corpus Christi, displaying ads blasting Talarico and national party leaders like Kamala Harris. An Abbott-sponsored food truck distributed free tacos labeled with names that mocked Talarico, such as “Veggie Talarico” and “Open Border Brisket.” The attacks grew sharper after Talarico ordered a potato, egg, and cheese breakfast taco when former President Barack Obama visited an Austin taco joint with him and state Rep. Gina Hinojosa.

Abbott’s campaign manager, Kim Snyder, said Democrats are attempting to rebrand and hide their “radical, socialist agenda” and that the “RadicalTexas” website exposes their own words and shows Texans what’s at stake in the November election. The website features quotes from Talarico and other Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Greg Casar, and Joaquin Castro.

Talarico’s Response

Talarico’s campaign has noted that a quote featured on the website, in which he says the southern border should have a “giant welcome mat out front,” is taken out of context. The full quote includes the phrase “the door behind the mat should have a lock,” which is not included on the website.

Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder called the gimmicks “pathetic” and posted on social media that “you can always count on Greg Abbott to bring the bullshit.” Talarico’s opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, has been largely absent from the capers in Corpus Christi, but aired an ad in the area spotlighting some of Talarico’s votes opposing restrictions on transgender athletes.

Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.