CNN analyst defends Democrat's chances of winning seat in Texas

CNN analyst Paul Begala dismissed conservative commentator Scott Jennings's criticisms of Rep. James Talarico (D-TX), who is challenging Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for a Senate seat in November.

Jennings attacked Talarico's positions on transgender identity, theology and diet.

And Begala responded, "You know what I'm smelling, Scott?" he continued, "Fear, panic, your stinking panic."

"You guys fear this guy," Begala said about Talarico.

"He's more popular than Trump in Texas, brother!"

Begala then reframed the election around economic concerns rather than cultural issues, criticizing rising hamburger prices and questioning how Paxton became "a millionaire" on a government salary.

Begala also argued the campaign should prioritize affordability struggles.

Jennings questioned whether Begala was "a normal person."

Begala repeated, "I can smell the fear," and mockingly waved his hands in the air — soaking in the aroma.

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