Controversy Surrounds Comments Made by U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett
WASHINGTON — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Democrats lack vision and policy proposals after U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, referred to him as “Governor Hot Wheels.”
Abbott has used a wheelchair since he was partially paralyzed as a young man in 1984 when a tree fell on him.
Background on the Comments
Crockett’s comments at a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles over the weekend elicited outrage from Republicans when they circulated online this week and she now faces a possible censure.
Abbott discussed Crockett with Sean Hannity during an appearance late Tuesday on his Fox News show.
Political Points
Abbott’s Response
“It’s another day and another disaster by the Democrats,” Abbott said. “The reality is they have no vision, no policy. They have nothing to sell but hate and Americans are not buying it.”
Abbott said Texas ranks highly in job creation, economic development and overall business environment. He highlighted the state’s role in cutting-edge areas such as space exploration, artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing.
“The bottom line is that Republican states like Texas are leading the way and with comments like this by Democrats, we will just leave them in the dust in future elections,” Abbott said.
Crockett’s Explanation
Crockett has tried to reframe her comments and push back on a wave of criticism. In a brief interview Tuesday, she told The Dallas Morning News that Republicans are trying to distract the public by focusing on her.
Later that day, her office said in a statement she did not intend any harm to the governor or mean to take lightly any medical conditions he might have. Crockett posted on X that she wasn’t “thinking about the governor’s condition” but was focused on his policies.
“I was thinking about the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by Black mayors, deliberately stoking tension and fear among the most vulnerable,” Crockett posted. “At no point did I mention or allude to his condition.”
Reaction from Other Politicians
Republicans and conservative commentators have rejected that explanation and said Crockett was mocking the governor for using a wheelchair.
On his Wednesday podcast, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, described Abbott as a dear friend and mentor. As Texas attorney general, Abbott appointed Cruz as solicitor general.
Cruz criticized Crockett for her remarks at the Human Rights Campaign event and took issue with the crowd laughing at them.
“They’re cheering, yes, ‘Governor Hot Wheels,’ he’s disabled in a wheelchair. Ha ha ha,” Cruz said. “What the hell’s wrong with these people?”
The Human Rights Campaign did not respond to a Tuesday email request for comment about the criticism of Crockett’s remarks.
Cruz has criticized Crockett on several fronts, including her recent participation in a call for people to protest Tesla over CEO Elon Musk leading efforts to cut federal agencies.
“She seems to be the darling of the radical left because she calls for crazy things,” Cruz said.
Other Criticisms
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, took issue with Crockett’s comments about Abbott, Tesla and other topics as well.
During a Wednesday floor speech, Cornyn highlighted her comment during the anti-Tesla call that she wanted Musk “to be taken down.”
“That could be interpreted any one of a number of ways but I believe it’s wrong to wish on any American, much less a fellow Texan,” Cornyn said.
Censure Resolution
Crockett faces a censure resolution introduced by a fellow Texan, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, R-Friendswood. It’s not clear when that resolution could come to the floor for a vote.
The resolution describes her remarks about Abbott as “discriminatory in nature” and “the latest in a continued series of inappropriate comments.”
The resolution cites a May 2024 hearing in which Crockett used the phrase “bleach-blond, bad-built butch body” about U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.
That came after Greene made a comment about Crockett’s “fake eyelashes.”
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Crockett’s comments has sparked a heated debate about the use of language and respect for individuals with disabilities. While Crockett has attempted to explain her comments, many have criticized her for what they perceive as a lack of sensitivity and respect for the governor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What did U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett say about Texas Gov. Greg Abbott?
A: Crockett referred to Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels” during a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles.
Q: Why did Crockett’s comments spark controversy?
A: Crockett’s comments were perceived as mocking Abbott’s use of a wheelchair, which he has used since being partially paralyzed in 1984.
Q: How has Abbott responded to Crockett’s comments?
A: Abbott has criticized Crockett and the Democratic party, saying they lack vision and policy proposals and are instead relying on hate and personal attacks.
Q: What is the potential consequence for Crockett?
A: Crockett faces a possible censure resolution introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, R-Friendswood, which could come to the floor for a vote.
