James Talarico, a Texas candidate for US Senate, might be the Democrat who Republicans fear most ahead of 2026 midterm elections. Talarico has gained national attention for the unusual ways he's centered faith, masculinity, and progressive politics in his campaign — often defying the right-left "culture war" paradigm. As polling shows him to be a serious threat to the GOP's control of the Senate this fall, the Right's attacks against him have taken on an increasingly bigoted tenor, with right-wing politicians, influencers, and activist groups portraying him as secretly gay, transgender, or part of a broader LGBTQ conspiracy.

Jared and Mike are joined by Parker Molloy, an award-winning journalist and the author of "The Present Age," whose work is essential reading for those seeking to understand the modern conservative media ecosystem. Together, they examine MAGA's attacks against Talarico, the resurgence of anti-LGBTQ politics on the American right, and how messaging once aimed primarily at transgender people have expanded into a broader strategy of ridicule, fear, and moral panic. They also discuss this year's Pride Month controversies, the role of right-wing media in shaping political narratives, and whether Republicans have succeeded in moving anti-LGBTQ rhetoric back into the mainstream.

Happy Pride! Please enjoy this episode before Stephen Miller decides it's too gay.

Links for Parker:

Newsletter: "The Present Age"
Bluesky: @parkermolloy.com

Transition Music: "The Execution of All Things" by Rilo Kiley