Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, is stirring up attention with a bold challenge to Fox News host Greg Gutfeld. On X, Swalwell proposed a friendly contest where if Gutfeld can bench more weight than him for 10 repetitions, Swalwell will resign from Congress. Conversely, if Swalwell wins, Gutfeld must leave his position at Fox News. Swalwell humorously mentioned he would label Gutfeld “GUTLESSfeld” if he does not accept the challenge within 48 hours.
The proposition comes after Gutfeld spent a segment criticizing Swalwell’s attempts at showcasing his athleticism, particularly calling out a video where Swalwell was seen shooting hoops instead of attending to Congress duties. Gutfeld referred to Swalwell’s video posts about his physical activities as embarrassing and likened them to desperate attempts to gain attention.
The challenge has garnered reactions from various individuals, including Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, who humorously offered to take Swalwell’s bet with a challenge of his own. Another response came from Shawn Hendrix, who also expressed interest in joining the contest.
This light-hearted but pointed exchange highlights the ongoing discussions about political figures and their public personas, often blending humor with serious political commentary. It opens a window into how lawmakers engage in public discourse and how athletes or those perceived as strong symbolize political resilience in contemporary media narratives.
Engagement in such public challenges can resonate with constituents, offering a glimpse into the personalities behind political roles. While the challenge is rooted in jest, it could serve to boost Swalwell’s relatability among younger audiences who value authenticity and fitness.