Talarico speaks the language of many Texans, which may puzzle those not from the South, as I see the media dominated and housed on the East Coast try to explain why he won. For those who were raised inthe "bible belt" or came of age in the evangelical Christian movements that dominate the culture of the South, it is not hard to understand. (I am a native of Eastern Oklahoma)
Talarico speaks their language, a language that comes naturally to him as the grandson of a Baptist preacher and now a Presbyterian pastor/seminarian. He cites the words of Jesus freely: to love God with all his heart and love his neighbors as he would love himself. He shares much with the theology of Pope Leo. He also puts his economic populist message into theological references, caring for the least of these or Jesus overturning the money changers' tables in the Temple.
Talarico is the antidote to a political movement based on fear and loathing of neighbors who are not like them, in race, sometimes in religion, and in culture, and/or who worship wealth as the sign of success as persons. He simply quietly incorporates his political beliefs without raising his voice or delivering a proselytizing, fiery sermon. In subtle ways, he preaches without being preachy.
Democrats can hope there are enough in Texas in the general election in November who are troubled by the immorality of the president and his staff and administrators seeking more political power by inhumane treatment of anyone brown speaking Spanish, snatched and warehoused until they can prove their legality, in an attempt to purge this country of as many brown people as they can. They have convinced so many who claim to be Christian by the righteousness of racial hatred that I wonder how many are left in the South who are uncomfortable with that approach and are indeed swayed by a view of Christianity of Talarico's that is the polar opposite of the tone of others in the White House.
This may also show a meeting of minds of both Christians and northern liberals when morality and human rights, and economic populism, find common cause. It is where disgust with the immorality of Epstein and his clients and affordability meet in a common purpose.
MUFTIC FORUM BLOG: White Christian Nationalism has taken over the White House
From last July, MUFTIC FORUM BLOG: Messaging again: a new messenger who speaks to many in red states: James Talarico
MUFTIC FORUM BLOG: Moral indignation rises as a major imperative of anti-ICE protests
