General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI like Talarico and belive he will win. But, I didn't like him dodging
Lawrence O'Donnell's question about transgender children. Paxton was talking about it in his victory speech and attacking Talarico for his support. Lawrence asked him twice to address the issue and he just ignored him and gave vanilla answers. When asked bout a couple other issues he responded. C'mon James show some cajones.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
pinkstarburst
(2,103 posts)Talarico is the best chance we've had to win in a long time in TEXAS. This is a red state. He absolutely cannot give a controversial quote like Beto did with the whole "I'm gonna take your guns" thing about banning all assault rifles. That sort of thing might play great in New York or California. It will kill his chances in Texas, even if he agrees with it, and will vote to support LGBTQIA legislation in the senate.
We need to play 4D chess here, not be thinking with our tiddlywinks brains.
GoCubsGo
(35,044 posts)in order to use against you. Don't give him more chances to lie about you.
Rafi
(292 posts)BS
yardwork
(69,787 posts)There are probably local races that you could run for in your community. Consider town council, school board.
BannonsLiver
(20,929 posts)appmanga
(1,555 posts)That he's for/against them? That they should/shouldn't exist? What needs to stop is allowing the right-wing to use transgenderism and the issues surrounding it as political fodder. Despite the idiocy of the statement, no one is going to school in the morning as a boy and coming back home in the afternoon as a girl. Democrats should talk about what they know (which likely isn't much, since most people don't) when it comes to transgenderism: it's a personal choice made between patients, doctors, and families. There is no large number of transgender athletes in colleges and high schools, and when it comes to sports, we should be concerned with fairness for all involved.
Ursus Rex
(503 posts)... there are probably MORE people who'd find it reassuring in parts of those states but it's not a broadly-popular issue. There are anti-Ossoff ads here in Georgia that feature some mention of some support he's shown in the past, or that he *hasn't* opposed it, and it keeps the people who are motivated against it quite riled-up.
I have a brother, liberal, who has been in CA for 40 years.
His comment in '24, I didn't know anyone transgendered in High School, (he graduated in the '70s) I can't believe that there are that many transgendered people.
So if you are having to educate liberals on a subject then you are in for a long uphill battle.
Sorry for the harsh reality, but it appears to be where we are currently.
JT45242
(4,183 posts)I have a trans niece -- we love her. She is struggling with all the anti-trans laws being passed.
The "I can't believe there are that many transgendered people" is not an unrealistic statement given the boogieman that Republicans have tried to make of it.
The highest estimates that I have seen in the adult population is about 0.5% or 1 in 200 people.
Which is less than indigenous peoples and about the same as all Hawaian/pacific islanders combined. (1.6 million people)
Given how few transgender people came out in HS until very recently (last 15 years), it probably seems even smaller group than that.
'If you were to listen to Republicans and especially hate radio and Faux news, you would think the number was closer to 50% of HS students identify as transgender.
It's a great division issue because it gets people to ignore that the top 5% are stealing from the bottom 95% for 100% of the time while they get us arguing over a relatively tiny population.
I don't want to see their rights trampled, but one key to running a winning campaign (50%+1 vote) campaign is to emphasize the things that are important to you that will resonate with the majority of the voters and try to not talk about any poistion that you hold that might be unpopular with a lot of voters. From my political campaign management classes in college that was called polling principal #1. The candidate knows what he or she believes is important -- the job of the campaign staff is to get the candidate to maximize the positive positions from polls and minimize the negative positions to voters. That is how you get elected.
There was a reason Clinton had the 'it's the economy, stupid' thing around. That was what would get him elected.
Talarico needs to hammer -- corruption and the disastrous results of Rethuglican laws on the economy, affordability, health care, and utilities. No more pay to play. No more cutting subsidies to the ACA. No more tax breaks to the super rich while you cannot afford food. Noi more data centers get electricity but you cannot get heat during a winter storm or AC when it is 100 degrees.
I remember in 2016 how many Dreamers were out bashing Obama. (Or fake Dreamers) Getting pissed off at Clinton and Dems. How the F did that work out!?!
fujiyamasan
(2,098 posts)I have a trans stepchild and I'm gay. Since Trump took office in 2024 my trans daughter's rights have evaporated, practically overnight.
We must elect Democrats, get back the White House, get back majority control of Congress. Then we can begin to correct the many wrongs Trump and his party have caused. It's going to be very difficult. We will not win unless we laser focus on the economy. Simple as that.
ananda
(35,636 posts)I bet Talarico has good advisors who know what
he needs to do.
Response to pinkstarburst (Reply #1)
Post removed
themaguffin
(5,443 posts)yardwork
(69,787 posts)
leftstreet
(41,323 posts)Focus on Paxton's corruption.
Healthcare. Rent. Groceries, etc
Why let Paxton draw out the psychos?
peggysue2
(12,626 posts)Talarico has a real opportunity in blood-red Texas. Paxton will attempt to throw all the red meat issues to his supporters. Think Talarico is wise to side- step these issues and concentrate on Paxton's incredible history of corruption along with the primary issue of affordability for Americans.
Affordability is something Republicans would like to side-step because they've bowed down to every stupid policy Trump and his Administration has pushed--tariffs, war, tax breaks for the rich.
Talarico is smart and has a positive vision for the future. He'll find the way.
MorbidButterflyTat
(4,868 posts)Rafi
(292 posts)you people are so scared to take a stand.
yardwork
(69,787 posts)leftstreet
(41,323 posts)Activating frothing MAGA psychos over trans issues brings them out to vote against said issues/candidate
Campaigning on rich vs poor, healthcare, wages, energy bills...makes the MAGAs stay home
But somehow I think you already know this
ahem.
Torchlight
(7,111 posts)would you rather have heard, beyond his redirect pointing out Paxton's obvious flaws?
Rafi
(292 posts)It ain't going away and if you don't express your views clearly then they will distort them.
like they don't already DISTORT EVERYTHING
Rafi
(292 posts)Silence allows them to do the framing.
Skittles
(173,336 posts)these bullshit "issues" are completely made up as red meat for the sick, bigoted repuke base
FUCK THEM, DEMS NEED TO STOP FALLING FOR THESE TRAPS
ENOUGH ALREADY
Torchlight
(7,111 posts)Skittles
(173,336 posts)
SSJVegeta
(3,273 posts)And everybody in Texas will hear about it.
He doesnt need to say more.
dalton99a
(95,785 posts)Beto was painted with open borders and gun confiscation - he actually doubled down on gun confiscation and promptly doomed his chances
Republicans will put transgenders on Democrats this fall because it worked in 2024
Republicans win in swing states because they get schooled in being evasive moving targets when it comes to divisive issues. Don’t doubt that there are Paxton strategists primed to sift through every tape of Talarico’s utterances hoping they can find something to use against him.
yardwork
(69,787 posts)They dredged up a tape of her in an interview advocating for gender affirming surgeries for undocumented prisoners. They ran those ads over and over during football games and the evening news.
In context, I agree with what Harris said. The tiny number of undocumented trans prisoners deserve healthcare just as much as every other prisoner does. It's a basic human right. And the cost would be minimal considering how few people are involved. But taken out of context - as Republicans do - it made Harris sound like she didn't care about anybody else. The follow up ads hammered the point home: Harris is for they/them, Trump is for you.
It was devastating to her campaign. We must avoid this trap. I say this as a gay woman with a trans daughter. Win the elections.
walkingman
(11,211 posts)His message will be that he is focusing on the issues that affect all Texans - affordability, healthcare, housing, etc. The Texas GOP is a nasty lot. Talarico uses his background as a public school teacher and Christian seminarian, snd uses biblical language to advocate for the trans community. He has argued that "God is non-binary" and that trans children are made perfectly in God's image, forcing conservative opponents to debate theology. That is a good strategy for winning in the Bible Belt - these nasty white Christian Nationalists love to grasp their cross necklaces and talk down to people but lose their cred quickly if they have to deal with their phony religious BS.
It will be a close race - this is Texas and like the air and water around here - there is nothing "clean" in the Shitkicker/Cowboy genre.
MagickMuffin
(18,376 posts)If he answered his message could be used against him by cherry picking his response and most importantly out of context.
dalton99a
(95,785 posts)
maxsolomon
(39,229 posts)The campaign ads hanging her anodyne supportive statements around her neck were relentless and effective on the swing voting idiots who determine our elections.
Likewise, Paxton is going to hammer this because it's a fucking obsession for Repukes - they're so scared.
SSJVegeta
(3,273 posts)While trying to surgically weave through the most focus group approved issues in the most uncontroversial way possible -as not to offend her donors.
Talarico knows his support for LGBT issues will be well documented and advertised. The people that would impact have already made up their mind and he wont win or lose them regardless of how he answers. But the top vs bottom battle for the soul of America and equitable solutions for the working class, is the game changer. Spend your time talking about that and hes got this in the bag.
maxsolomon
(39,229 posts)Can you remember the last Dem to hold a statewide office in Texas? Anyone since Ann Richards?
"Equitable solutions for the working class" is nebulous.
"Trans women want to rape your daughter" is simple and proximal. Repukes will spend their time relentlessly airing anti-Trans ads designed to scare the know-nothing idiots who decide our elections. They have billions to do it with.
Dems need issues that are easy for swing voting dipshits to wrap their tiny brains around. Gas prices. The cost of food.
SSJVegeta
(3,273 posts)If she had, Texas would have been about tied. That’s right, tied. There are more sophisticated ways to reach this conclusion, but you can see for yourself just by plugging the results by race from the 2016 exit poll into the 2024 exit poll. You get a contest within one point.
Of course the question remains: how do you win over Hispanic voters? I imagine having a stronger pro working class message than the GOP. I really dont think that has been the case in Texas since probably Anne Richards.
Cha
(321,102 posts)can have JT say what they want broadcast.
I think Talarico is smarter than that! 
Renew Deal
(85,436 posts)sop
(19,601 posts)
TomSlick
(13,104 posts)He was looking to make a headline. If it sinks Talerico, that's a price he's will to pay.
BannonsLiver
(20,929 posts)That goes for people here, as well. And Lawrence gets paid either way.
MorbidButterflyTat
(4,868 posts)Lawrence has always been brutally effective against MAGAts and Piggy.
MineralMan
(151,823 posts)It's Texas. They know how to spell it.
Happy Hoosier
(9,685 posts)I trust Talarico to balance the issues. But he can't help ANYONE if he doesn't win. We need to set aside such concerns, IMO, in favor of the long term goal. Talarico must win. And if he has to downplay some social issues to do it, so be it.
BannonsLiver
(20,929 posts)Well done, sir. This should be SOP for all Democrats this fall. 
Boo1
(557 posts)Is to only answer the questions you want to answer. Any other question should just be ignored while you answer the other questions anyway.
When has any campaign ever been helped by giving time to stuff that you don't want to talk about?
Rafi
(292 posts)He made sure of that.
See rule 1.
Totally Tunsie
(12,096 posts)"the most corrupt politician in America". Moreso than trump? Is that even possible?
Ocelot II
(131,518 posts)So, with that modifier, it was a correct statement. Trump obviously out-corrupts anybody, considering all US politicians since 1776 (and there have been some doozies).
In It to Win It
(12,869 posts)Ocelot II
(131,518 posts)His head seems to be in the same place, anyhow.
Totally Tunsie
(12,096 posts)He made a flat statement that Paxton is the worst...not necessarily the worst running.
Ocelot II
(131,518 posts)
NoRethugFriends
(3,818 posts)
GenThePerservering
(3,864 posts)So Dem to split hairs.
yardwork
(69,787 posts)Short statements that people remember.
Make Paxton answer that he's not the most corrupt politician. Keep the focus there.
In It to Win It
(12,869 posts)Totally Tunsie
(12,096 posts)That's one crown I'm not ready to remove from chump's head.
TBF
(37,454 posts)Ron Filipkowski posted this article on Bluesky:
https://thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/17/ken-paxton-scandal-timeline/
Totally Tunsie
(12,096 posts)trump's crimes date back to the 1960's.
I grew up 45 minutes from downtown Manhattan and have been aware of trump's misdealings since I was in college. He quite literally sat at the right hand of his criminal father and learned his lessons well. It's why (despite his lofty advantage of NYC "Favorite Son" ) he garnered only 11% of the City's presidential vote in 2016 - New Yorkers have long memories when it comes to the trump family. They hate him.
MorbidButterflyTat
(4,868 posts)This is ridiculous. ALL MAGATs are corrupt.
sop
(19,601 posts)
MerryBlooms
(12,446 posts)Of their mug shots... Trump is in Epstein files, so trump most criminal in my book. Paxton, close second, not in Epstein files,as far as we know, so he's got that going for him? 🤷♀️
FascismIsDeath
(285 posts)Miami Blue
(396 posts)Called a fine dude like James Talarico by a bunch of demeaning names.
To offer a balanced view, from now on
Ben Paxton is gonna be known as
A One-Eyed Jack.
🖕🏻
Mysterian
(6,684 posts)I'm sure your heart is with transgender people.
TBF
(37,454 posts)Yes, it's Talarico v. Paxton this fall and I hope you will all join Texas Democrats in working towards a Talarico victory!!
But after watching General Discussion this morning I guess I shouldn't get my hopes up. Not just this thread, I've had other battles this morning and keep asking myself "where am I"
haele
(15,658 posts)To put it in literary terms, they look to Gandalf; they want the Great, Wise Leader who inspires hope and drives change with his words.
They don't notice Sam, who is the real hero and the actual bus driver for change with his deeds and resilience.
All politicians are just mortals who have to work for a goal or change - and will often fail; they are not Wizards that can transform situations at will without thought of implications down the road.
Ya, you want someone who inspires people. You also need someone who might have a different mindset, but has a common goal and, while they may have different positions or take a few detours, won't get ethically turned around or quit.
TBF
(37,454 posts)I can't wave a wand and turn these people progressive for you. They just aren't. We have progressives in Texas, but we are far outnumbered by very religious people. Some of the progressives are also religious. That is our reality. In Talarico we have the best candidate we've seen in Texas for 30 years and reaching out to moderates is the path - along with turning out the base, registering new voters, getting everyone to the polls. I don't know if it will be enough, but I do know that we need to hammer on the economy and stay away from the wedge issues.
haele
(15,658 posts)And multiple time co-worker of a variety of trans folk, I still don't find singling out and using an already vulnerable and significant minority population as a major wedge issue to attract voters.
We know Trans folk are being othered and demonized through religious identity based hysteria.
But unlike other civil rights group issues, politically keeping a spotlight on them seems to be like keeping a magnifying glass on ants.
Unless someones lives in a large community, their chances of running across or identifying with someone who is gender fluid or transgender is very, very small.
The chances of knowing someone who is gay, bi, or queer in general is much greater, and because gender wrongly identified with sexual characteristics, Transgender ends up being the equivalent of Queer Panto or for childish/deviant con or sex trap in their mind.
Most people are able to accept gay or lesbian, but for some reason, a number of them just can't understand why someone might be transgendered. That confusion makes them uncomfortable, and often leads them to anger.
People vote with their experiences and the emotional responses from those experiences.
I'd much rather publicly point out the actual pedophile pastor or politician and yell "Not a Drag Queen" and drive the point home that neither gender appearance or sanctimonious words mean anything; actions mean everything.
There they go again - Conservatives are telling you to focus on the unicorn that might be in the next town over instead of the large pack of rabid, untrained pit bulls rolling around in their ungated back yard.
TBF
(37,454 posts)but you'll have to find someone else to play games with.
We are serious about making a run at this Senate seat. And I am going to tell anyone who will listen that "It's the economy, stupid". You don't have to listen. You don't have to like Texas. But we are going to continue to try to get ourselves better representation down here, and we know your way isn't going to work.
Have a nice day, wherever you live.
haele
(15,658 posts)Yeah, I write roundabout a lot. Sorry if it was tired working Grandma on three hours sleep clear, not normal people clear.
If you got upset me starting off with Trans, then you missed the point I tried to make (yeah, roundabout) about how Conservatives are using "othering" the unicorn, (Trans folk) to upset people who don't experience Trans folk and hide the fact they're corrupt.
That playing their game just continues to other the Unicorn and drive the wedge between allies and people who are afraid of boogiemen under the bed because they don't really know any Trans folk; it's better to keep pointing out the corruption along with how modern "conservatives" are destroying the economy with their grift.
I know lots of Texans, both Red and Blue. I've known quite a few Trans folk, too
Doesn't mean I don't keep fighting the fight for the Trans folk I know, nor does it mean I don't change fighting styles for ones that work.
Talerico's doing just fine, according to my old school GOP Country Club type stepmother in law.
In It to Win It
(12,869 posts)
obnoxiousdrunk
(3,123 posts)Talarico does address your concern.
NoMoreRepugs
(12,261 posts)outweighing the needs of the few.
dalton99a
(95,785 posts)MorbidButterflyTat
(4,868 posts)Rafi
(292 posts)they will use that against you for sure. If you don't have the smarts to state your views in a way that is not going to cost you votes then you're toast already.
QueerDuck
(1,991 posts)
Torchlight
(7,111 posts)Or is that something else, completely different?
Melon
(1,794 posts)Guns and transsexual don’t play well in the news to the voting base. You can’t change anything if you aren’t elected.
mzmolly
(52,872 posts)Last edited Wed May 27, 2026, 06:57 PM - Edit history (1)
Democrats support human rights. The other side does not.
Sogo
(7,336 posts)Dems have got to find a way to address this issue, because it creates a visceral response in people.
It worked against Kamala. I had friends and family, who voted for Kamala, pressing me before they voted to know about her "advocating" for transgender health care in CA prisons (or some such). How would they even know about it? It ran in ads practically non-stop in this conservative midwestern state.
QueerDuck
(1,991 posts)... really only serves to create doubts and division, doesn't it? Why do this?
The primaries are over. The time to nitpick is over.
Rafi
(292 posts)I guarantee you the Paxton folks took note of his dodging the issue.
QueerDuck
(1,991 posts)Why spread fear? Why amplify uncertainty? Why create doubt? --- What's your objective here? How do you think this approach helps?
Please... just 🛑✋
Happy Hoosier
(9,685 posts)The Republicans ABSOLUTELY want to shift the conversation to divisive social issues. It's the Southern Strategy that works so well.
DO NOT give them the ammo. The moment is too important.
Keepthesoulalive
(2,435 posts)I think if he is for all Texans and Americans let’s get him in the Senate. The republicans are a hysterical bunch, let’s not give them anything to hyperventilate over.
mcar
(46,471 posts)Let's not do the Rs framing for them.
Nixie
(18,189 posts)tries to fabricate non-issues doesn’t mean Talarico has to accept the framing and try to own it and make sense out if it. Talarico is right to stick to his own framing.
Lawrence is one of our best, but that was not a necessary question.
mcar
(46,471 posts)Don't do their work for them.
QueerDuck
(1,991 posts) Pisces
(6,351 posts)TVguyCards
(43 posts)The right is already going after James Talarico on trans issues even going as far as saying he himself IS trans.
What I wasn't expecting was the official Twitter account of The Democrats to post a gigantic "Fuck You!" to Stephen Miller over this.
We're in the pit this time folks! 😊
I do think Talarico needs to be honest and out front on this. I see many here saying he should be quiet but I have to wonder what does that actually achieve especially when the right is already trashing him for it. Lean into it, own it. Young voters and millennial's are very pro-trans rights. Make a stand and watch them show up like never before over this. Being quiet doesn't bring their votes out and only sets Talarico up for being buried by the right.
Defend trans people, fight FOR them, and then you make it about the economy. The people who are anti-trans are likely never voting for Talarico to begin with and I'll throw money down betting that he is 100% getting asked about trans kids during the debates. Do we want a candidate who's completely shell shocked on the debate stage or do we want someone who's ready to fight for civil rights?
karynnj
(61,168 posts)He and Jen Psaki are easily my favorite cable people. It is clear from the first answer that Talarico does not intend to say more.
At this point his number one concern should be doing what is most likely to get him elected. Giving Paxton a sound bite on an unpopular and controversial issue does NOT help Talarico.
I think this is what Barney Frank may have been speaking of when he talked about Democrats not having to make issues like treatment of Transgender people a litmus test. Is there anyone here who thinks Paxton would be better for the rights of transgender people? This is not an infinite choice of possible Senators. It is Talarico or Paxton. The type of more explicit support to the transgender population some want here could be an albatross around his neck
Consider what a difference Talarico could mean. It is possible that he could mean who has the majority. In that case, we get the chairs of every committee. Even with Trump as President, it could stop many bad things. Consider that as terms are 6 years, we would have one extra Democrat Senator for three Congresses at least.
fujiyamasan
(2,098 posts)That worked really well!
Jose Garcia
(3,561 posts)GenThePerservering
(3,864 posts)If Dems win, Trans issues WILL be addressed positively - enough of the purity shit - Talarico has his eye on the prize.
GoodRaisin
(11,112 posts)It’s a winning message. Talarico is too smart to allow himself to be taken off message.
mcar
(46,471 posts)Paxton pardoned a pedophile.
"Talarico is a vegan."
— Kevin M. Kruse (@kevinmkruse.bsky.social) 2026-05-28T00:50:28.562Z
"Paxton pardoned a pedophile."
"Uh, well, Talarico says God is nonbinary or something?"
"Paxton pardoned a pedophile."
"Um, Talarico is, uh, low T?"
"Paxton pardoned a pedophile."
"Talarico is going to institute sharia law!"
"Paxton pardoned a pedophile."
"Talarico is a vegan."
"Paxton pardoned a pedophile."
"Uh, well, Talarico says God is nonbinary or something?"
"Paxton pardoned a pedophile."
"Um, Talarico is, uh, low T?"
"Paxton pardoned a pedophile."
"Talarico is going to institute sharia law!"
"Paxton pardoned a pedophile."
DemocratSinceBirth
(102,041 posts)We are all God's children are entitled to live lives of dignity and respect.
gab13by13
(32,921 posts)Quiet Em
(3,146 posts)Here's what Talarico said
“The only thing the media wants to ask me about are trans athletes,” he said. “What I would say is that the only minority destroying this country is the billionaires.”
Talarico added that common right-wing scapegoats, such as trans people and undocumented people, each make up roughly 1% of the United States’ population.
“We are all focused on the wrong 1%,” he continued. “Trans people aren’t taking away our healthcare. Undocumented people aren’t defunding our schools… It’s the billionaires and their puppet politicians. And so we need not only the media, but all of us, to focus on the real problem at hand.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/james-talarico-stands-defense-trans-143829281.html
LeftInTX
(34,885 posts)Also influencers are going away at it.
They are even accusing him of being vegan. (Remember what happened to Dr Phil and Oprah over beef??)
LeftInTX
(34,885 posts)That's why I knew Jasmine would be more winnable. She's black and bold, but she doesn't get into long philosophical dialogues that are subject to misinterpretation.
They're going to be playing, "I love transgender children" until November....They're painting him as a pedo....
At least Paxton has never said, "I love little boys".... Paxton is just plain old corrupt. But people prefer to vote for someone who is corrupt than someone who "loves little kids"....