Beauty and the Beast stunt by a republican candidate for the governor’s office attracts criticism

Los Angeles, May 5 2021: John Cox, one of the many Republican candidates who are campaigning to replace the current Democractic Governor of California Gavin Newsom, caused a stir by turning up to an election rally with a bear in tow.

The electioneering stunt is based on the themes of Beauty and the Beast in which Cox the republican candidate has cast himself in the role of beast to Newsom’s beauty since the latter is known for his primped appearance. The bear features prominently in the flag of California and is Cox’s attempt to show how he intends to shake things up. He said in an election rally in Sacramento yesterday, “We need big, beastly changes to save it. I’ll cut taxes, make California more affordable and shake up Sacramento.”

Cox’s election mascot, “Tag”, is a Kodiak bear which is the focal point of the recent publicity stunt, is considered one of the largest ursine species and weighs about 1100 pounds, was born in captivity and trained to make screen appearances. He appeared laid back and patient on Tuesday’s rally and was munching snacks and grooming himself while critics such as animal advocacy group PETA say it is unfortunate and shameful that Tag is being exploited so openly and that bears don’t deserve to be confined to asphalt and paraded in front of public.

The state of California, home to Hollywood, has been considered a blue state in the recent past and is now going for Republican-backed effort to hold a special election later this year in a bid to recall Governor Newsom, based on criticism of how he handled the pandemic situation in the state.

The laws of the state allow California voters to hold a referendum on replacing its governor if they can gather the signatures of 12%  voters from the last election, which the campaign succeeded in doing. Earlier on in 2003, it was just such an election that resulted in movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger assuming office as a Republican. This time however, pre-election polls and experts believe, that Newsom is unlikely to be recalled, with the state swinging more heavily towards the democratic side in the past two decades.

Stay tuned to BaaghiTV for latest news and Updates!