Comedians and podcast hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers are facing backlash after they discouraged listeners from donating to Rep. Jasmine Crockett's Senate campaign, labeling her as a "done deal" for Republicans.
In their recent episode of the "Las Culturistas" podcast, Rogers stated that he wouldn't donate to any politician who is "making it too obviously about themselves," and suggested that his listeners shouldn't waste money on Crockett. Yang later agreed with this sentiment, calling her a "well-defined Democrat."
Their comments sparked outrage on social media, prompting both hosts to issue apologies for their remarks. Rogers took to Instagram, saying he's "a very progressive person who cares deeply about winning these elections, but my phrasing was not right" and that he has "great respect and admiration for Rep. Crockett." Yang also apologized, stating that he "should not have cursorily weighed in on this" and vowed to use his platform more responsibly.
Despite the backlash, national Republicans may see Crockett as a weak candidate, which could be an advantage for them in their efforts to campaign against her. The National Republican Senatorial Committee reportedly launched an astroturf campaign to encourage Crockett to run, seeing her as the most likely Democratic candidate to lose a statewide election in Texas.
Crockett cited favorable polls as reason for entering the race.
In their recent episode of the "Las Culturistas" podcast, Rogers stated that he wouldn't donate to any politician who is "making it too obviously about themselves," and suggested that his listeners shouldn't waste money on Crockett. Yang later agreed with this sentiment, calling her a "well-defined Democrat."
Their comments sparked outrage on social media, prompting both hosts to issue apologies for their remarks. Rogers took to Instagram, saying he's "a very progressive person who cares deeply about winning these elections, but my phrasing was not right" and that he has "great respect and admiration for Rep. Crockett." Yang also apologized, stating that he "should not have cursorily weighed in on this" and vowed to use his platform more responsibly.
Despite the backlash, national Republicans may see Crockett as a weak candidate, which could be an advantage for them in their efforts to campaign against her. The National Republican Senatorial Committee reportedly launched an astroturf campaign to encourage Crockett to run, seeing her as the most likely Democratic candidate to lose a statewide election in Texas.
Crockett cited favorable polls as reason for entering the race.
. Their comments seemed pretty petty, especially since Rep. Crockett is trying to run a campaign without any significant financial backing. It's like they were more interested in showcasing their own opinions than having an actual meaningful conversation.
. But still, you'd think they could've found a way to express their concerns without making snide comments about someone who's just trying to do her job.
. Maybe next time, they can use their platform for good instead of just to stir up controversy 
.
. Those comedians thought they were just having a laugh, but really, they might have been trying to send a message to their audience... or even the Democrats themselves? I mean, if Rep. Crockett is already being painted as the "done deal" by these two hosts, that's some interesting PR. And what's with Rogers' apology on Instagram? Sounds like he was just trying to save face 
. But seriously, folks, have you noticed how Republicans are always trying to take down these strong female candidates? It's like they're trying to create a narrative that women can't win elections... or something 
. And what about the astroturf campaign? Sounds like they might be trying to manipulate the situation to their advantage 
. I'm not saying Rep. Crockett is gonna lose, but you never know with politics, right? 
. Like, they got famous off being funny and then they start being kinda mean about someone running for office? It's like they forgot how many people actually listen to them because of their humor. Bowen Yang is supposed to be all about representation, but he's basically saying Rep. Crockett isn't worth supporting? That's not what I tune in for 
... sorry, it doesn't cut it when you're on stage or on the internet. Apologizing is good and all, but now Rep. Crockett has to deal with the damage done 
. I mean, come on, folks, can't we just disagree without resorting to personal attacks? 
And now Rep. Crockett is getting some harsh treatment from the wrong side... or should I say, the Republican side? 
It's like they're trying to create a narrative that she's already lost the election before it's even started! 
That's just not how democracy works, guys... we need more constructive criticism and less personal jabs 
.
. I get that Bowen and Matt didn't mean to offend anyone, but their comments just felt kinda rude, you know? 
Like they were basically saying Rep Crockett is not worth voting for, which isn't true! 
They apologized, tho, so that's a plus 
. The thing is, though, I can see why Republicans would think she's not strong enough to win... 
. It's gotta be tough for her to win over voters if folks are already writing her off like that. But hey, at least they're owning up to their mistakes and apologizing 
... maybe next time they'll think twice before throwing shade 
.
. I guess that's just how my brain works - flip-flopping is literally a thing 
Don't get me wrong, I love a good underdog story, but can we please just give Crockett a fair shot at this 
. Can't we just focus on supporting our favorite candidates without all the drama and negativity? 
.
. Now, they're apologizing left and right, which is good, but it's also kinda late 
.
. That's not fair to her at all