Dr. Phil McGraw criticized Texas Democrats on “The Real Story” Monday for fleeing to blue states like Illinois over redistricting.
Dozens of Texas House Democrats have fled in order to deny the state House a quorum required to enact a new congressional map that could give Republicans up to five additional seats. Dr. Phil called for the arrests of the lawmakers during the episode on his YouTube channel. (RELATED: Blue States Try To Keep Illegals’ Medicaid Data Hidden From Trump Admin)
WATCH:
“I’m not a political scientist. I cannot debate the pros and cons of gerrymandering. But here’s what I do know: Democrats are making a mockery of themselves and the system,” Dr. Phil said. “[Republican Texas] Governor Abbott should arrest them all. Even if you’re a hardcore Democrat, we can’t allow or reward this bad behavior. These people were elected to do a job. They have a responsibility.”
“And if you don’t like redistricting, use the courts. Use your vote or do a better job to win elections. But don’t just run away. If you’re an elected leader, treat yourself and others with dignity and respect,” he continued. “Do your job. And to do your job, you have to be here. Be heard. Weigh in. Argue the point. And don’t be a hypocrite about it.”
The Texas state Senate voted to approve the new congressional districts on Tuesday, despite nine Democrats leaving the chamber before the vote.
The Texas lawmakers particularly faced backlash for fleeing to Illinois because it is one of the most heavily gerrymandered states.
The Texas House passed a motion on Aug. 4 to issue arrest warrants for the lawmakers after they failed to appear at the chamber to vote on the proposed new congressional map. On the same day, Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest them and Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton supported their arrests.
Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn announced on Thursday that the FBI agreed to assist in tracking down the lawmakers who fled after he solicited their assistance and claimed they may have violated state bribery laws by allegedly accepting funds from outside groups.
Former President Bill Clinton adviser Doug Schoen also said on Friday that the fleeing lawmakers reflected poorly on the Democratic Party.
“I think this is very damaging, Trace, to the Democratic brand. For those in my party who say we should be aggressive, we should fight the Republicans, I think you stand and fight, not cut and run, which is what they have done,” Schoen told guest-host Trace Gallagher. “This sends a terrible message, I think, to voters generally and certainly swing voters, and it’s become tit-for-tat.”
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
