U.S.TOP STORY

Steve Deace questions Talarico's mysterious 'flu' absence

Texas Democrat James Talarico has been absent from his Senate race for two weeks with only a flu explanation, prompting skepticism from conservative media figures.

On air: Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger on Wake Up, America
Published 5:46 AM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

At a glance

First reported by TheBlaze: “Steve Deace questions Talarico’s mysterious ‘flu’ absence: ‘Something smells rotten’”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:46 AM ET on Wake Up, America, by Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger.
Topics: James Talarico.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

TheBlazeSteve Deace questions Talarico’s mysterious ‘flu’ absence: ‘Something smells rotten’

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorA Texas Senate race with a mystery this morning, folks, because Democrat James Talarico has been away for two weeks, and his campaign says the reason is the flu.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe flu.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBlazeTV host Steve Deace isn't buying it, and he says something smells rotten, while his co-host calls the absence obviously disqualifying, whatever the truth turns out to be.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorDisqualifying whatever the truth is. So even a clean bill of health from a doctor wouldn't help him.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorI had the flu in March and I told nobody the details, Hank, so I'm basically a sitting senator now.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorYou'd lose in a landslide, Chip, you once called in sick to a tailgate.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorFair, and the campaign hasn't said more, so we wait for that clearer explanation, probably with a bowl of chicken soup.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe only thing smelling rotten around here is the tuna sandwich you left in the green room fridge.