The Republicans Who Impugn Talarico’s Manhood
Attacks on the Democratic Senate candidate in Texas show the GOP’s narrow, anxious definition of masculinity.
TL;DR
- Republicans are using aggressive and coordinated attacks on James Talarico, questioning his masculinity with terms like "Low-T Talarico" and "Six-Gender Jimmy."
- The overarching Republican strategy is to associate the left with being "weak and woke" and "not manly."
- Attacks on Talarico include insinuations about his sexual orientation and mocking his relationship status and dietary choices.
- Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate, faces numerous controversies, including impeachment over corruption allegations, a contested divorce, and a dropped securities-fraud case.
- Talarico's past statements, such as God being "nonbinary" and suggesting there are six sexes, are being used against him.
- The conflict is also framed as a battle over the nature of American Christianity, contrasting Talarico's inclusive views with MAGA's "muscular, masculine religiosity."
- Talarico is fighting back by embracing negative labels, revising past statements, and highlighting Paxton's lack of debate experience.
- The Republican strategy of attacking opponents' masculinity may alienate female voters.
- The GOP's focus on "Things That Are Gay" instead of issues like high gas prices is seen as a strategy born of "submissive desperation."