North Carolina lawmaker expresses regret for supporting TikTok prohibition vote
An Apology Rings Through TikTok: Rep. Jeff Jackson Admits Voting Flub
In a candid moment that bridged the gap between politics and social media, Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-NC) admitted to a misstep that reverberated across TikTok. With the transparency that has become characteristic of his tenure, Jackson took to the platform with a heartfelt apology for his vote on a contentious bill with far-reaching implications for the app’s future.
“I screwed this up, I did,” Jackson confessed. “I have been completely roasted on this app over the last 48 hours. And I get it. If I were in your shoes, I would probably feel the same way.”
In a self-reflective moment, he acknowledged the irony of his position—as someone who benefited from TikTok’s community only to cast a vote that seemed to undermine it.
“I would see someone who used this app to build a following and then appears to have voted against it. And I would be upset.”
The Dynamics of the Vote
Amidst the uproar, Jackson emphasized his support for the forced sale of TikTok, a move designed to keep the app active in U.S. app stores while addressing national security concerns stemming from its ownership by Chinese company ByteDance.
The stance of TikTok CEO Shou Chew—against the sale, citing that much of TikTok’s data is securely hosted in Texas—was acknowledged by Jackson. Yet, he stood by his belief that the app’s ban in the U.S. was unlikely, citing multiple reasons—including financial, political, and geopolitical factors.
“I genuinely believe the chance of a ban is practically zero… I still believe that, but maybe I got that balance wrong.”
A Contrast in Views
Contrasting Jackson’s stance was Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC), a voice of dissent who voted against the legislation, not from the perspective of a TikTok user but on grounds of constitutional rights and the concentration of power.
“This bill infringes on the First Amendment and grants undue power to the administrative state.”
Bishop voiced his concerns clearly, wary of the implications the bill could have on free expression as well as the extension of authoritative control.
The Road Ahead for North Carolina Politics
As both Jackson and Bishop vie for the Attorney General seat—a role soon to be vacated by Josh Stein who’s setting his sights on the governorship—their differing outlook on TikTok’s fate presents a clear choice to North Carolinians.
- Jeff Jackson: A Democratic voice with an active presence on TikTok, admitting errors and aiming for tech-savvy governance.
- Dan Bishop: A Republican legislator focusing on constitutional liberties and careful scrutiny of expanding governmental authority.
With President Joe Biden’s pledge to endorse the bill pending Senate approval, the fate of TikTok lies in a precarious balance—a reminder of how intertwined technology has become with the fabric of our society and the urgency with which policy needs to adapt.
Who will lead North Carolina into this new age of digital governance and personal freedoms online? The answer shades in with each vote and each voice, echoing through the halls of TikTok and beyond.
Click here to dive deeper into this evolving story from the Washington Examiner.
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