FCC vs. Free Speech? Kimmel's Talarico Interview Goes YouTube-Only!

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel took to YouTube to air his full interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, after revealing that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had threatened ABC, its affiliates, and local stations over the segment. The 20-minute conversation, originally slated for "Jimmy Kimmel Live," was instead published on the show’s YouTube channel Thursday night.

Kimmel opened his Wednesday night monologue by explaining the unusual move, stating he made the decision

out of consideration for our local stations, especially our ABC affiliates in Texas who would have to deal with this nonsense.

He voiced his frustration over the situation, highlighting that his show, along with other late-night programs, has historically welcomed numerous political candidates, including former President Donald Trump, without similar repercussions. Kimmel emphasized, “Tonight we are bypassing the public airwaves and hosting this interview on YouTube, even though our government would clearly prefer we not do it at all.”

During the candid interview, Kimmel directly asked Talarico, who is challenging incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton, "Why are they so scared of you?" Talarico responded with confidence, "Well, they’re worried we’re going to win this race in Texas." He acknowledged his underdog status, stating, "We’re not just going up against the most corrupt politician in Texas. We’re going up against this entire corrupt system.”

Talarico also touched upon the Republican opposition and even mentioned Trump's past dismissal of him as a "freaky guy." He criticized the current state of political discourse, saying, "I think people are tired of politics as professional wrestling." He elaborated, "These old guys, lathered up in their fake tans, throwing corny nicknames at each other. These nicknames, they don't lower the price of groceries.

They don't lower the price of gas.

They don't lower the cost of health care. They don't actually improve anybody's life.” For Talarico, his motivation for entering politics is solely to address these tangible issues impacting everyday Americans.

#JimmyKimmel #JamesTalarico #FCCTargets #TexasPolitics