Tennessee Candidate Aftyn Behn Criticized for Past Statements on Nashville, Religion, and Motherhood

Criticisms of Aftyn Behn's Past Statements

• 🎤 A resurfaced interview reveals Aftyn Behn, referred to as the 'AOC of Tennessee,' expressing strong negative sentiments about Nashville, including statements like "I hate the city," "I hate the bachelorettees," and "I hate country music."
• 🗣️ Behn attempted to clarify her remarks, stating that while she gets "annoyed with the tourists," it doesn't mean she doesn't "love my city."
• ✍️ A 2019 op-ed by Behn, which she did not walk back, called the state and its legislature "racist."
• ✝️ Behn expressed discomfort with religion's prominence in the state legislature, noting prayers at sessions, opening ceremonies, and prayer groups, and stated that Christian pastors have significant influence.
• 💭 In a recurring dream, Behn reported saying, "I don't want children. I want power."

Behn's Proposed Policies and Criticisms

• 🛒 Behn proposes to lower grocery prices by cracking down on corporate price gouging and breaking up food monopolies, and by passing a national ban on price gouging.
• 📉 Critics argue that grocery stores have low profit margins (1.7%), making price gouging unlikely as the primary driver of high costs.
• 📈 Behn also blamed Republicans for inflation, but critics point out that prices increased under the Biden administration, which she supported.

Candidate Matt Van Eps's Platform and Endorsements

• 🇺🇸 Matt Van Eps, a Republican candidate endorsed by President Trump, is running against Behn.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Van Eps identifies as a Christian, husband, father, America First conservative, and combat veteran, with experience as an Army helicopter pilot, in small business, and in Tennessee State Government.
• 🗳️ He is asking Republicans and others who oppose a "radical socialist" to vote for him, emphasizing the clear distinction between his platform and Behn's.
• 🛡️ Van Eps's platform includes securing the border, decreasing the cost of living through healthcare and childcare initiatives, unleashing American energy dominance, and cutting red tape.
• 🤝 He has received endorsements from over 50 local leaders, President Trump, and the NFIB, and has met with over 25 local sheriffs and police chiefs, pledging support for law enforcement.

Contrasting Views on Social Issues

• 💔 Van Eps contrasted Behn's focus on trans rights and protections for trans kids following the Covenant School shooting with his own priority of protecting children in schools, noting a little girl died in the shooting.
• 🚓 Behn is accused of wanting to defund the police, abolish prisons, and film herself harassing ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, actions Van Eps deems disqualifying.
• 💰 Van Eps claims Behn's policies, including new and higher taxes, would increase the cost of living and fund a "socialist agenda," citing her endorsement by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).