A few months ago, Stephen King pretty much ignored Ted Cruz when the much-maligned senator attempted to outwit him over banned books. That move blew up in Ted’s face, and the same goes for his attempts to tweet about Fight Club and, as a The Princess Bride superfan, rumble with Cary Elwes. Yet Ted, never to be deterred, swung at a horror maestro and missed (Ted may have also missed the plentiful biblical themes in King’s work while lobbing an insult), and King is now apparently circling back with a blow of his own.
Mind you, King is saving his loftier prose for the printed page, which is likely a wise move because personal energy conservation is an underrated move. Also, attacking with the bluntest of swords can be effective, depending upon context. As such, the King of the Dad Jokes decided to simply refer to Ted as “Dumbo” in reference Ted’s condemnation of Anthony Fauci, who Ted accused of being “smug and gleeful” while he “casually called to shut down bars, restaurants, and gyms.”
It’s been 3 years since a smug and gleeful Anthony Fauci casually called to shut down bars, restaurants, and gyms.
It’s abundantly clear: Fauci is the most destructive bureaucrat in American history. #Verdict
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 17, 2023
“A million dead, Dumbo,” the Cell author responded. “If America hadn’t listened to Fauci, the number would have been twice or three times that.”
A million dead, Dumbo. If America hadn’t listened to Fauci, the number would have been twice or three times that.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) March 18, 2023
The “Dumbo” may have made some people’s evenings. Simple, yet effective.
Stephen King calling Ted Cruz “Dumbo” just made my Saturday night. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Jo5eAqvIAL
— Papi Bébé Le Strange (@Papi_B_Dubs) March 18, 2023
— YouCantTrusttheGOP 🇺🇸 (@labadorer) March 19, 2023
@tedcruz is #DUMBO thx @StephenKing 🙏 for the image pic.twitter.com/96zK2L3o9L
— Aurelio Muraca (@equality2112) March 19, 2023
Stephen King calling Ted Cruz Dumbo: pic.twitter.com/8ljN4Jw5Bh
— Trust Science – Trust Facts🌊💙 🇺🇦 (@Cheryl1572) March 20, 2023
I'm with Stephen King. Dr. Fauci has NOTHING to explain to Ted Cruz. Because Ted Cruz doesn't live on Earth One anymore. He slithered under Trump's shoe where all the cowards have gone to beg for his non-existent "mercy." https://t.co/2WiVXEQ6Xb
— Linda Herring (@herring_linda) March 20, 2023
Yes, the lockdown to prevent the spread of a virus that had no vaccine yet. It was the only real tool at their disposal, I didn't blame Fauci for making that difficult call and I don't blame him now. They closed public places in Shakespeare's time during plague because it worked.
— Thomas Malley (@NightLord2009) March 18, 2023
I’m frightened that 16,000 believe the lies of these ppl. Says the man who hops on a plane during disasters instead of doing the work his state needs to protect them from said disasters.
— AshleyMonet (Rose) (@AshleyMonet21) March 19, 2023
Stephen King referring to him as Dumbo is just the simplest, yet best disrespect I will see on Twitter today. I love it.
— StinkyMoko (@MokoStinky) March 18, 2023
It’s been 298 days since my son, his classmates and teachers were murdered. 17 others injured.
It’s abundantly clear: @tedcruz turns a blind eye to mass shootings as long as his pockets are lined.
You ignorant loaf of bread. https://t.co/4u4e4FaP4f
— Brett Cross (@BCross052422) March 18, 2023