Fact Check: North Texas Republican Chair Asks if 'Jews' or 'Muslims' are Bigger Threat
What We Know
Recently, Bo French, the Tarrant County Republican Party Chair, posted a poll on social media asking his followers, "Who is a bigger threat to America?" with the options being "Jews" and "Muslims." This post has sparked significant backlash, including calls for his resignation from various political figures, including Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who stated that "antisemitism and bigotry have no place in Texas" (source). French later defended his poll by asserting that "there is no greater threat than Islamic radicals" (source). Following the uproar, he deleted the poll and issued an apology, although he maintained that he would not resign from his position (source).
Analysis
The claim that Bo French asked whether "Jews" or "Muslims" are a bigger threat is substantiated by multiple sources. The original poll was indeed posted on French's social media account, and the phrasing of the question has been widely reported as offensive and inflammatory (source, source).
The backlash against French includes statements from prominent figures, such as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who emphasized that such sentiments do not reflect the values of the Republican Party (source). Additionally, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the poll, calling it both "antisemitic" and "Islamophobic," and highlighted the dangers of such rhetoric in a climate where both communities face increased threats (source).
Critically assessing the reliability of the sources, the reports from local news outlets like FOX 4 and the Star-Telegram are credible and provide direct quotes from involved parties, including French himself. These outlets are known for their journalistic standards and have covered the incident comprehensively, including reactions from political leaders and community organizations.
Conclusion
The claim that Bo French, the Tarrant County Republican Chair, asked if "Jews" or "Muslims" are a bigger threat is True. The evidence clearly shows that he posted a poll with that exact question, which has led to widespread condemnation and calls for his resignation from several political figures. The context of the poll and the subsequent reactions further reinforce the seriousness of the claim.
