Shocking audio reveals Democrat mocking southern city she claims to represent

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With under two weeks remaining before a specialelection in a Tennessee congressional District, newly resurfaced audiohas revealed the disconnected mindset that is affecting Democratic Party candidates throughout the nation.

Aftyn Behn, a Nashville-based Democratic state representative and her party's candidate, mocked that she 'hates' the city she aims to represent, citing its population of Americans who love celebrating and listening to country music.

"I despise the city, I despise the bachelorettes, I despise the pedal taverns, I despise country music, I despise everything that defines Nashville. I hate it," Behn is heard stating in a revived clip from the GRITS podcast in February 2020.

She has also previously referred to sororities as "a staple of white supremacy," and labeled the entire thingTennessee a 'racist state.'

Behn, 35, received her private education at the Webb School in Knoxville, which costs $27,000 annually, and later attended the University ofTexas at Austin. 

Republicans highlighted the incriminating recording, contending that it's unreasonable for Behn to claim she represents a location she has openly stated she dislikes.

"If Behn despises Tennessee so much, why is she attempting to advocate for it?" the Republican National Committee (RNC) shared on Thursday.

Behn chose not to address the revived podcast directly, but her campaign manager, Kate Briefs, stated that the GOP is grasping for any possible argument.

"Republicans are feeling anxious and, in a desperate effort, they are diverting attention from the reality that Washington Republicans ... are increasing expenses for Tennessee families and taking away their healthcare," Briefs stated in a release.

Aftyn Behn aims to reduce expenses for Tennessee households and enhance the affordability of groceries by removing the state's sales tax on food items.

However, Behn faces a challenging campaign against Republican Matt Van Epps, a former Tennessee General Services commissioner, who is seeking to fill the state's 7th congressional district seat. This position was previously held by Republican Mark Green, who stepped down earlier this summer to pursue a role in the private sector.

The seat is rated R +10 by the Cook Political Report, even though Green previously won by more than 20 points. The race has also moved slightly in the opposite direction.Democrats, transitioning from 'solid Republican' to 'lean Republican' last week.

A super PAC supporting Trump, known as MAGA Inc., also entered the race last week, spending $15,000 on phone banking.

Major Democratic wins in elections this month have attracted significant media coverage and funding to the race in recent weeks.

Former vice president and 2024 presidential hopeful Kamala Harris visited the campaign trail in person this week to support Behn, describing her contest as "the most competitive race in America." Nonetheless, she did not reference the candidate by name or stand beside her.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, backed Van Epps through a virtual rally last week, describing him as a 'genuine America First patriot who has devoted his whole life to serving our nation.'

Behn has received support from organizations including the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, AFL-CIO, and the Working Families Party.

At the same time, Van Epps receives backing from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Club for Growth PAC, and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Green's abrupt exit from Congress took everyone by surprise.

He expressed his sorrow in a statement at that time, announcing his decision to retire from Congress.

"Recently, I received an offer in the private sector that was too thrilling to ignore," Green added.

Green described it as "an honor of a lifetime" to work in Congress, and he also highlighted several of his accomplishments as committee chair.

He also commented on his earlier retirement statement and the following change of heart.

"Although I had intended to retire at the conclusion of the last Congress, I remained to ensure that President Trump's border security initiatives and focuses were passed through Congress," he wrote.

By managing the border security part of the reconciliation bill, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Following this, I will step down, and a special election will be held to choose my successor.

The statement was also made following Green's public involvement in a 2024 alleged relationship and his online criticism by his ex-wife.

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