A Republican operative has offered a controversial defense after promoting a false rumor about the mental health of Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. Rhein Amacher admitted that the story he helped spread was based on unverified information but argued that he did not lie, stating, "I just doubled down on wrong information."
Earlier this month, Talarico took nine days off the campaign trail to recover from the flu. During this period, Amacher and fellow activist Nick Sorter circulated a rumor that Talarico had been treated for a mental health episode at the Lindner Center of Hope in Cincinnati, Ohio. Amacher initially claimed a call to the facility confirmed Talarico was a patient there.
The rumor unraveled when it was revealed that Talarico had appeared on stage in Texas with country music star Kacey Musgraves on the same day he was allegedly discharged from the Ohio facility. The Lindner Center of Hope later issued a statement denying that Talarico had ever been a patient.
Amacher defended his actions in a lengthy social media post, asserting that the situation had been "blown completely out of proportion." He detailed his account, stating he contacted the medical facility after receiving a tip, pressed an employee for information, and was told Talarico had been discharged within the previous 24 hours. He acknowledged the facility's subsequent denial and stated he had "no independently verified evidence establishing that Talarico was ever a patient there."
Despite these admissions, Amacher maintained that he had "not going to speculate beyond the information available or continue fueling a controversy based on an unverified claim" and declared the matter closed. His defense, particularly the claim that he "never lied," drew widespread criticism and mockery online, with some users suggesting his statements could be relevant in a defamation lawsuit.