Senator Jon Tester from Montana recently found himself in the spotlight after the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) criticized him for driving a Prius in Washington, D.C. Tester fired back at the NRSC by proudly declaring that he owns a total of nine vehicles, including an ‘86 Chevy, a 2018 GMC, a 2018 Honda Ridgeline, a Celica, a Peterbilt, a 67 International truck, a 96 International truck, and a 78 GMC. He even mentioned that he would be spending $10,000 on diesel to fuel his bulk tanks for planting crops.
Tester’s response to the NRSC’s criticism sparked further debate on social media, with some questioning his choice of vehicle. The NRSC communications director, Mike Berg, shared footage of Tester getting into his red Prius and a screenshot of a Washington Post article where Tester mentioned buying a used Prius for his D.C. trips in 2020.
Tester’s communications director, Monica Robinson, defended his love for restoring old cars with his son, while the NRSC spokesperson, Maggie Abboud, accused Tester of being out of touch with the people of Montana by driving a Prius. Abboud referred to Tester as a “swamp creature” and criticized his ownership of multiple vehicles.
Overall, Tester’s response to the NRSC’s criticism shows the ongoing tensions between political parties and the lengths to which politicians will go to defend their decisions and lifestyles. The debate over Tester’s choice of vehicle highlights the divide between Washington politics and the realities of everyday life for farmers in states like Montana. As the 2024 election approaches, it will be interesting to see how these issues continue to play out in the political landscape.