James Talarico is a long-term threat to the GOP
Summary
Host Amanda Marcotte analyzes Texas Democrat James Tallarico’s Senate race against Ken Paxton, highlighting how his Christian faith challenges the GOP’s stranglehold on white evangelical voters. The episode features clips of right-wing influencers attacking Tallarico as a "demon" and discusses his appeal to suburban and conservative voters. Guest Amanda Littman, co-founder of Run For Something, explains how Tallarico’s personal connection and messaging are breaking partisan lines, while also promoting her new book on leadership.
Topics discussed
Intro: James Talarico and the 'demon' accusations
Reacting to viral clips and mockery of Talarico
Talarico's faith vs. GOP stranglehold on evangelicals
Ken Paxton's corruption and Trump's endorsement
Paxton's scandals and Talarico's polling lead
Interview intro with Amanda Littman
Run For Something and Talarico's early career
Building a coalition at Baylor University
Suburban shifts and failure of conservative policies
Evangelical influencer Ali Bestuc's attack
Messenger vs. message and Christian women's doubts
Talarico reaching non-Democrat and first-time voters
Building personal relationships over party loyalty
Promoting Amanda Littman's book and organization
Song recommendation: Miley Cyrus 'A Different Religion'
Outro and call to action
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