Editor’s Notes: Fellas, Is It Gay to Be James Talarico?

On the campaign trail for Republicans fighting an unexpectedly uphill battle in Texas, Vice President JD Vance got in his latest dig at Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico. After a crowd member shouted, “I love you!” at Vance, he quipped “I love you too sir. In a totally platonic way, to be clear. I'm the vice president, not James Talarico.”

This is the way Paxton, Vance, and the rest of the GOP have gone after Talarico all year, branding him “Talafreako” for his pro-LGBTQ stances and constantly suggesting that he is both weird and gay. 

What makes James Talarico weird and gay? His concern for trans and other marginalized youth. His openness toward immigrants. His compassionate approach to reproductive rights. In short, it’s his empathy.