Colin Allred attacked Ted Cruz as a self-serving “egotist” and “me guy” during the Texas Democratic convention, positioning the upcoming U.S. Senate election as the party’s chance to break a longstanding losing streak in statewide races.
Allred’s scathing critique of Cruz portrayed the incumbent Republican as someone solely concerned with personal interests rather than the welfare of Texans. He cited Cruz’s controversial trip to Cancun during the devastating winter storm of 2021 and his extensive podcasting endeavors as evidence of prioritizing self-promotion over serving Texas families, according to The Dallas Morning News.
“When the lights went out in the energy capital of the world, only a me guy was thinking it’s OK to fly down to the Ritz Carlton in Cancun,” Allred said. “That’s not my Texas. In my Texas we believe that ‘we’ is more powerful than ‘me.’”
“Unfortunately, Washington, D.C., is full of me guys,” Allred told delegates. “No one is more self-serving, more disconnected from Texans than Ted Cruz. Ted Cruz is the ultimate me guy.”
Addressing convention delegates in El Paso, Allred characterized Cruz as the epitome of selfishness, highlighting his plans to potentially raise the retirement age and slash Social Security and Medicare benefits if reelected.
The congressman from Texas emphasized the contrast between Cruz’s actions and the communal spirit of Texans, particularly in times of crisis, like the energy grid failure during the winter storm.
Allred’s nomination acceptance speech underscored his personal background and the challenges his family faced, positioning himself as a representative of Texas values and resilience.
While Allred’s victory in the Democratic primary was clear, the challenge remains on how to effectively challenge Cruz in November, with unity among Democrats crucial for success. However, potential divides within the party on issues like immigration, border security, and reproductive rights loom large.
Reproductive rights took center stage at the convention, with poignant testimonies underscoring the urgency of the issue, particularly in the face of restrictive laws and court rulings.
Notable Democratic figures like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer rallied Texas Democrats, urging them to persist in their efforts to turn the state blue, drawing parallels to their own successes in Michigan.
Amidst calls for unity and resilience, the specter of the Trump era looms large, with Democrats vowing not to return to the same state of dismay that followed his presidency.
