Who is Eric Swalwell?
Eric Swalwell is a Democratic congressman from California who has been in the news recently for an unexpected reason. He is known for being an advocate for gun control and a critic of President Donald Trump.
What Happened?
During a recent appearance on MSNBC, Swalwell was in the middle of discussing the impeachment inquiry when he appeared to let out a loud fart. The incident was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media.
Did Eric Swalwell Actually Fart?
While the incident certainly sounded like a fart, Swalwell denied it. In a tweet, he said, "I did not fart. It was the #hardball mug scraping across the desk."
Twitter Reacts
As with most viral moments, Twitter had a field day with "fartgate." Some users were quick to make jokes, while others defended Swalwell.
The Aftermath
Despite the denial, many people continue to believe that Swalwell did, in fact, fart on live television. The incident has even led to merchandise being made, including t-shirts and mugs with slogans like "I stand with Eric Swalwell."
Other Politicians Who Farted Publicly
Eric Swalwell is not the first politician to be caught farting on camera. Former Vice President Joe Biden famously let one rip during a speech in 2012, and former President George W. Bush has also been accused of farting during public appearances.
The Science Behind Farting
While farting may be a taboo topic, it is a natural bodily function. Farting is caused by gas that is produced during digestion. The gas builds up in the intestines and eventually needs to be released.
Conclusion
Whether or not Eric Swalwell actually farted on MSNBC may never be known for sure. However, the incident has certainly generated a lot of attention and will likely be remembered for years to come.