If you listen to Senator Marsha Blackburn’s political opponents or some members of the media, you’d think she has disappeared from the campaign trail because she isn’t holding traditional open town halls or participating in a gubernatorial debate.

The facts tell a different story.

Earlier this month, authorities arrested an individual who allegedly planned an attack and identified both President Donald Trump and Senator Marsha Blackburn among the intended targets. In today’s political climate, security is not an afterthought—it’s a necessity. Those demanding open, unrestricted events while ignoring those realities are leaving out an important part of the story.

Meanwhile, Senator Blackburn continues doing what candidates are supposed to do: campaign.

Today alone, she made campaign stops in Knoxville, Clinton, and Lenoir City. I attended her 6:00 p.m. event in Lenoir City and watched her spend time with supporters and Republican voters. That doesn’t fit the narrative some critics want to promote, but it is what actually happened.

I’ve known Marsha Blackburn for years. In fact, she was the very first guest on my podcast. During my years covering Tennessee politics, I have never been turned away from a Marsha Blackburn event. The same is true for Congressman John Rose and State Representative Monty Fritts. They have consistently welcomed me to cover their events.

Here’s what I find interesting: the same people claiming Senator Blackburn is “hiding” often ignore the fact that she is traveling Tennessee almost every day. Campaign events may not look like the town halls some critics demand, but they are opportunities for Tennesseans to meet the candidate, ask questions, and hear directly from her.

There is also a double standard at work. Some politicians receive little criticism for limiting public access, while conservatives are expected to campaign under a completely different set of rules—even after credible security threats emerge.

You don’t have to agree with Senator Blackburn’s campaign strategy. That’s fair game in politics. But let’s at least argue from the facts instead of a political narrative.

From what I’ve witnessed firsthand, Marsha Blackburn isn’t absent from the campaign trail. She’s on the road, she’s meeting voters, and she’s working to earn their support across Tennessee.

That’s the truth. The rest is political noise.

Facts matter. Narratives don’t vote—Tennesseans do.. I’ll keep reporting what I see, not what the political class wants you to believe.