Talarico Update - How Whacky Can It Get
Segment #810
As a purported Cristian white male preacher, I am not at all certain Talarico would even do well in California, Illinois, Minnesota, or New York. It is very difficult to see after these quotes become widely available to voters that he will do well in Texas.
Democrat Talarico CRUSHED as Woke Clips Resurface - YouTube
The only thing worse than a typical woke politician is an eloquent woke politician. The very best way to spread woke ideologies is through eloquent and compelling messengers. That is precisely the kind of progressive that Texas House Democrat and pastor James Talarico is. Talarico dazzled Joe Rogan during his two- and half-hour interview last week. Talarico was so effective that by the end of the interview Rogan was calling for him to run for president of the United States.
Talarico’s appeal consists in part in his respectful and civil mode of discourse. He presents as a friendly guy who is willing to talk with anyone to make his case for both liberal public policy and for a woke version of the Christian faith. While he serves as a rising star in the Texas house, he also attends Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After graduating, he hopes to take the reins as pastor at a progressive church in Austin called St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
Talarico’s interview with Rogan reveals just how progressive this aspiring pastor is. Not only does he affirm gay marriage and LGBTQ “rights,” he also favors abortion “rights” and opposes the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. On homosexuality and gay marriage, he tells Rogan, “We have four gospels with tons of teachings from Jesus, and none of them are about [homosexuality]. So I get suspicious when anybody—whether it's a televangelist or a politician—tells me that something is central to my faith when Jesus never talks about it. To me, that should, I think, ring alarm bells.”
Never mind that Jesus does in fact define the marriage covenant as being between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-5) and that Jesus describes non-marital sexual activity as sinful “fornication” (Matthew 5:32; 15:19; 19:9; Revelation 2:21). Also, never mind the fact that Jesus commands his followers to listen to the teaching of the apostle Paul who confronted homosexual immorality numerous times in his Gentile mission (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:10). The woke interpretation of Scripture frequently leads to all manner of absurdities to justify sexual immorality, and that is what Talarico offers.
The same sort of hermeneutical contortion appears with Talarico’s handling of abortion. Rogan asks Talarico, “What do you think is the Biblical evidence to support the opinion of being pro-abortion?” Talarico responds by claiming that Scripture itself supports the right of a mother to kill her unborn child. Why? Because, he says, the Bible doesn’t treat the unborn person as a human being until—like Adam—a baby takes his first breath (Genesis 2:7). In this telling, a baby can be killed for any reason or no reason at all before he takes his first breath.
James Talarico's Controversial Statements
James Talarico, a Texas Democratic state representative and U.S. Senate candidate, has made several statements that have sparked debate, particularly around religion, gender, race, abortion, and immigration. These are drawn from public speeches, social media, and interviews. Below is a list of key examples, with context where available. Note that "controversial" can depend on perspective, but these have drawn significant criticism from conservative sources.
On God's gender: "God is both masculine and feminine and everything in between. God is non-binary."
This was said during a 2021 Texas House floor speech opposing a bill to ban transgender athletes from women's sports, emphasizing that "Trans children are God’s children, made in God’s own image."On abortion and consent: "Creation has to be done with consent. You cannot force someone to create."
Talarico referenced the biblical story of the angel Gabriel asking Mary for consent before the conception of Jesus, using it to argue that Christianity supports reproductive choice.After Roe v. Wade overturn: "This summer, more than half our population became second-class citizens. Every one of our neighbors with a uterus became the property of the State. And nothing is more un-Christian."
He made this statement in 2022, criticizing the Supreme Court's decision as antithetical to Christian values.On race and terrorism: "Radicalized white men are the greatest domestic terrorist threat in our country."
Posted on social media five years ago, in response to mass shootings targeting Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans.On immigration and borders: "Our southern border should be like our front porch. There should be a giant welcome mat out front."
This clip, often shared out of context, was part of a larger discussion on humane border policies.On Jesus and feminism: "Did they teach you in Sunday school that Jesus Christ himself was a radical feminist?"
From a viral sermon, highlighting Jesus' interactions with women as progressive.On biological sexes: "Modern science obviously recognizes that there are many more than two biological sexes. In fact, there are six."
Stated in a legislative context discussing gender and biology.On systemic issues as violence: "Poverty is violence. Pollution is violence. And yes, prison is violence."
Part of a broader critique of social and economic policies.On transgender abortion access: "I want to acknowledge that our trans community needs abortion care, too."
Emphasizing inclusive reproductive rights.On displaying the Ten Commandments in schools: "This bill to me is not only unconstitutional, it's not only un-American, I think it is also deeply unchristian."
Argued it was "idolatrous, exclusionary, and arrogant," opposing a 2025 bill.On whiteness and racism: "White skin gives me and every white American immunity from the virus of racism. But we spread it wherever we go…"
From a post urging white people to engage in anti-racism activism.Alleged comment on Colin Allred: Referred to former opponent Colin Allred's campaigning as "mediocre" (denied racial connotation, but accused of calling him a "mediocre Black man" in a private conversation). Talarico clarified: "In my praise of Congresswoman Crockett, I described Congressman Allred’s method of campaigning as mediocre – but his life and service are not."