Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn, who has garnered support from Democrats, is under fire following the leak of an audio recording in which he appeared to criticize supporters of former President Donald Trump. In the recording, Osborn is purportedly heard stating, "Billy Bob in f***ing Red Cloud, Nebraska, who lives next door to the f***ing Trump store as you pull into town and is waving the Trump flag … all he knows is he’s like on the winning team." He continued, "He’s been so effective at taking Billy Bob and his wife Mary Jane or Mary Jo and telling them, look we’re winning. You’re on the winning team. And that’s all they care about, because their lives probably suck so f***ing."
Osborn confirmed the authenticity of the recording to CNN, remarking, "It sure sounds like me." He expressed regret, stating he didn't recall the specific context but that the comments sounded "out of character for myself." He apologized to anyone who might be offended, emphasizing that his comments were aimed at the anger and disenfranchisement Trump successfully tapped into, sentiments Osborn said he understands as an independent candidate.
The leaked audio, which the Omaha World-Herald verified was from a campaign-related event earlier in the summer, was posted by RNC Research. Incumbent Republican Senator Pete Ricketts, whom Osborn is challenging, responded by saying, "The people Dan Osborn is mocking are the hardest working people in America. They don't need a candidate who looks down on them. They need a senator who fights for them. That's what I do every day." Osborn is attempting to appeal to crossover voters in the heavily Republican state and has stated he will not caucus with either major party if elected. There is no Democratic candidate on the general election ballot.
