Talarico rips Trump’s ‘corny nicknames’ for opponents in Kimmel interview

(The Hill) -- Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico brushed off President Trump's nickname for him, "Talafreako," in an interview posted online by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

“I think his nicknames are getting cornier and cornier,” Talarico told Kimmel, who earlier this week said ABC decided against airing the interview over what Kimmel called threats from the Federal Communications Commission.

The interview, which was uploaded to the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” YouTube channel on Thursday, centered on Talarico’s Senate race against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) and the attacks President Trump has leveled against him throughout his campaign.

Kimmel asked Talarico about Trump’s nickname for him, “Talafreako,” which the president uses to mock Talarico while backing his opponent Paxton.

Trump has frequently assigned nicknames to political rivals of his and has referred to Talarico as such in Truth Social posts and in interviews.

“I call him Talafreako…Because he is. He’s a freaky guy. He’s got something wrong with him,” Trump told Fox News’ Laura Ingraham Thursday.

The Texas Democrat said his campaign chose to make the most of the name by putting it on T-shirts, which he said are the “fastest selling item” on their website.

“We’re grateful for the president for the nickname,” Talarico said.

Trump mocked Talarico’s appearance by comparing him to Alfred Neuman, the gap-toothed fictional mascot for Mad Magazine.

Kimmel joked that Talarico did not look like the kind of candidate who would create fear among Republicans.

“I have to say it tickles me that they’re terrified of you,” Kimmel said. “No offense, but you look like Richie Cunningham. You look like you’re running for student council.”

Talarico said Republicans were paying close attention to his campaign because they were concerned that Democrats could win the Texas race in November.

The interview did not air on ABC after Kimmel said Wednesday that the FCC had threatened him and the network over its editorial decisions.

In a statement to USA Today, the White House denied threatening Kimmel.

“Jimmy Kimmel is play-acting – as he often does – to create a false narrative about this administration's policies,” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said. “Chairman Carr has not threatened him regarding interviewing James Talarico, or any other candidate. Any media outlet blindly amplifying Kimmel’s egocentric delusion should insist on proof. Of which they will find none.”

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