James Talarico:

[applegrove]

James Talarico: The kind of religion that says you can treat people however you want as long as you have a personal relationship with Jesus is an abomination.

We spend so much time looking for God out there, that we miss God in the person sitting right next to us.

— Team Talarico (@teamtalaricohq.bsky.social) 2026-03-27T18:25:58.781Z

[erronis]

1. I worry about too much emphasis on religious viewpoints as a platform

Using "scripture says" as a talking point will alienate a lot of people - whether they are Christian, or other faiths, or people of no faith, or people who just think that religion shouldn't be part of governance (and thus of politics.)

[IcyPeas]

2. Totally turns me off .

There's already too much of it mostly from republicans...

Can't we all just strive to be kind honest human beings?

[ananda]

13. In this case I believe we can think that "God" means "good."

It really does have a universal message in it.

[wiggs]

3. looks like he's in a church gathering, so perhaps especially pertinent to say these things there. otherwise I agree. nt

[erronis]

4. Agree with that perspective. I hope Talarico doesn't overuse the pulpit.

[enigmania]

5. We'll never be free of it, unfortunately.

[jmbar2]

6. I like Talarico's message. He is directly confronting Xtian nationalist ideology.

Last edited Thu Apr 9, 2026, 05:04 PM - Edit history (1)

Only a strong Christian can speak to them like that.

Xtian nationalism is the foundation for Project 2025, the Supreme Court takeover, repeal of Roe v Wade, voter suppression, and the current invasion of Iraq.

His voice is uniquely suited to this time in our history.

Certainly an improvement over Trumps religious "advisor".

[ananda]

12. This sounds pretty universal to me...

I like it.

[Seinan Sensei]

15. I agree, jmbar2

Talarico comes from a place of authentic faith.
Think in terms of Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity

The Nationalist Christians (Nat-C’s), on the other hand, begin with an agenda first, then back-fill with Bible verses in an attempt to lend gravitas to their biases.

It’s the difference between Exegesis (Talarico) and Eisegesis (Nat-C’s)

[SSJVegeta]

8. Normally i would agree but this angle is very important

The reason: Right now the Repubkican party and far right is being largely propped up by the Christian Nationalist institutions and funding that also fueld the extremist ideology that got us folks like Hegseth installed. In most ways the Texas Republican party is also entirely dependent on it.

One reason the GOP reallly didnt want Talarico to get the nom is because he has a broad populist platform and appeal but is also looking to destroy the hold Christian Nationalism has in politics.

By framing religious politics in a progressive light and exposing the hypocrisy and evils of Christian Nationalism, he has a very strong chance of removing the stranglehold these churches of hate (and their billions of dollars) have had on America for decades. He is a relentless proponent for the separation of church and state and also uses the examples of enforcing religion using governemnt as entirely antithetical to Christianity.

Talarico offers an antidote to the horrifying spiral of mindless cultism that has plagued most red states for the greater part of the last century.

We would do well to embrace that.

[Tree Lady]

16. Yes he is going back to a strong belief in his faith

While having a strong belief about separation of church and state.

[JI7]

17. It's Texas . You have to view it compared to those in power right now

Although Beto came close to winning and he is a typical liberal . And not like this
at all.

But coming close is still not winning.

Hopefully it will happen with him. And it's preferable to right wing using religion to attack others.

[dlk]

19. Please see Post No. 8

I, too am put off by the religion in our politics. Religion is personal and should be kept that way. Our Constitution is clear. However, we are in a unique time with Christian nationalists infiltrating our politics and government. Talirico’s message is a powerful antidote.

[Ruby the Liberal]

20. Soon to be Senator Talarico is what is known as a Matthew 25 Christian

Part of which includes a strong belief in the separation of church and state.

Matthew 25 details the teachings about taking care of the poor, sick and incarcerated - and loving ones neighbor as themselves.

This belief is the opposite of the prosperity gospel dominionists (like the Secretary of War Crimes) that believe they need to 'conquer the world' and 'vanquish enemies en masse' in order to hasten the return of Christ by 'cleaning up the world' for him.

Talarico is standing up against this made up GOP jesus, lord of greed and hate.

And its likely to have a lot of traction in Texas.

[TheRickles]

7. He's speaking the language of the people in the audience, and very eloquently, too.

Hard to quibble with his message, and I'm sure he has other ways of phrasing it for other audiences (like DU).

[Torchlight]

9. He's speaking to a potential voter base

and attempting to broaden the discourse by using that base's language. From my chair, it seems rather prudent to invest in voter outreach regardless of pulpit.

[surfered]

10. He walks the walk. The Christian Nationalists he opposes have a faith without works.

They ignore the teachings of the one they claim to follow. They don’t welcome the stranger or help the needy or love thy neighbor.

Talarico supports the separation of church and state.

[Fil1957]

11. Religion like many other things is neither good nor bad. It has been used for good, and way too often for evil.

The U.S. whether we like it or not is one of the most religious rich developed countries. Talarico, because he expresses his religious views articulately and coherently has been able to reach christian conservatives and show that Christian Nationalism is a sham and is against the teachings of Christ.

This is why the GOP is scared shitless of him. I'm not religious myself, but I say more power to him and we need more like him. Democrats should not be afraid to play on the religious turf, otherwise we leave the entire playing field to those who do, and we lose by default.

[NowsTheTime]

14. Why not push back,,,I remember this ...

https://apnews.com/article/trump-inaugural-prayer-service-washington-national-cathedral-interfaith-a95b36f962be93c8647cc5144266da11

[LetMyPeopleVote]

18. K&R

[pinkstarburst]

21. He speaks authentically and it's a message that resonates

with his voter base. That same messaging probably wouldn't work well if he were campaigning to be mayor of NYC. But he is running in Texas, which is a conservative red state, and a majority Hispanic state (Hispanic voters tend to be more religious and more conservative, on average.) He is not coming from a place of religious oppression, but a place of confronting religious fundamentalism and "love thy neighbor" approach, more like Jimmy Carter's message of let's use our wealth and energy to do good by building houses (or feeding the starving children in Africa) rather than the current message of Republicans, which is focused on abortion, extremism and oppressing women.

We would be very lucky to have Talarico as a senator, just like we are very lucky to have Rev. Raphael Warnock as a senator.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

22. I'm pretty sure that's a Christmas tree behind him

Lit candles, a banner in front of him that says, "Joy," and people sitting quietly in pews.

Maybe a minister (seminarian) delivering a Christmas message to his congregation?

Calling out MAGAt grifters who cosplay as Christians is a GOOD thing.