S6 Ep58: Something's Happening in Texas (with Chris Hooks)
Summary
Sarah Longwell and Christopher Hitchens analyze the Texas Senate race, where James Talarico leads Ken Paxton among Trump disapprovers due to Paxton’s perceived corruption and lack of campaigning. The episode features focus group audio highlighting voter concerns about Talarico’s past "woke" comments and Paxton’s ethical record. The discussion also covers Governor Greg Abbott’s vulnerabilities, including backlash over THC bans, data centers, and Flock cameras, alongside the rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric in Republican politics.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships: Dupixent and Indeed
Intro: Texas AG race and guest Christopher Hooks
Analysis: Why national parties are hesitant on Texas
Republican internal conflict and funding signals
Focus Group: Voter views on Ken Paxton's corruption
Paxton's political style and legislative history
Sponsorship: Lisa Mattress
Paxton's public speaking and personal scandals
Voter perception of Paxton vs. Tallarico
Focus Group: Views on James Tallarico
Sponsorships: Oxicle and ADT Blue
Tallarico's campaign strategy and 'woke' ads
Rural anger over school vouchers and data centers
Tallarico's appeal and the 'lesser of two evils'
Focus Group: Views on Greg Abbott
Sponsorships: Oxicle and ADT Blue
Rise of hardline rhetoric: Beau French and immigration
Abbott's vulnerabilities: THC and voucher backlash
Focus Group: Flock cameras and data center privacy
Sponsorships: Oxicle and ADT Blue
Analysis: Data center moratorium and Abbott's strategy
Gina Hinojosa's campaign and closing thoughts
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