Key Takeaways
- Dr. Phil Slams the Walkout: The TV icon condemned Texas Democrats for fleeing the state to block a GOP redistricting vote, calling the move hypocritical and urging Governor Abbott to arrest them.
- Republicans Move to Enforce Accountability: The Texas House approved arrest warrants, Abbott ordered state police to act, and Sen. Cornyn enlisted FBI help, citing potential bribery law violations.
- Hypocrisy on Gerrymandering: The lawmakers’ flight to Illinois — one of the most gerrymandered states in America — undercut their argument and fueled bipartisan criticism, including from Democratic strategist Doug Schoen.
On Monday’s episode of “The Real Story,” the talk-show legend took aim at the dozens of Texas House Democrats who bolted to Illinois in a stunt to block a quorum on a new congressional map that could hand Republicans as many as five extra seats.
“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. “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.”
Abbott apparently agrees. The Texas House passed a motion to issue arrest warrants for the missing lawmakers on Aug. 4, and the governor ordered state police to bring them in. Attorney General Ken Paxton backed the move, and Sen. John Cornyn even enlisted the FBI to help track them down, citing possible violations of state bribery laws.
The kicker? They fled to Illinois — one of the most gerrymandered states in the country — while whining about gerrymandering in Texas.
Even Democratic strategist Doug Schoen called the move political malpractice, saying it “sends a terrible message” to swing voters.
As Dr. Phil bluntly put it: “If you’re an elected leader, treat yourself and others with dignity and respect. Do your job… and don’t be a hypocrite about it.”
That’s straight talk — and Texas voters will remember it.