The Trump Administration's Reeks, such as Lindsey Graham, are framing the stikes on Iran as part of a "religious war," Netanyahu is invoking Amalek, & Christian Zionists are welcoming the Rapture.
Talarico is what Christians call a "red letter" Christian.
I also am one.
We believe that the words of Jesus Christ are the foundation of our faith. Yes, a Jewish rabbi established our values, beliefs, and connection to God, ou father.
Christian Nationalists rarely quote Jesus, because He's just too woke. Plus, he was brown. *horrors*
Debra is right about Talarico. Initially, I was very skeptical of his religiosity, but hearing him talk about his commitment to the separation of Church and State has changed my mind. I don't support the notion of "God Bless America," because personally I don't think there is a Christian, Muslim, Jewish god or any other deity. When people assume that god is on their side, that can lead to a very dangerous arrogance. Religious people who understand their own fallibility can be a very positive influence.
I have no problem with religious people who are willing to work for the betterment of the country without assuming their own religions should be imposed on others. What Waj is saying -- I agree with much of it. I can reject the idea that Jesus was the "son of god" without rejecting all of the good in his message. I think what is important is for people to join together over shared beliefs in lifting people up -- all people, not specific members of one religion. White Christian Nationalists want to lift up only those who share their arrogance and bigotry.
I subscribed to The Debrief some time ago. Debra Shushan has some wonderful discussions including the one she had recently with Brad Lander.
One wonders how much more out of touch these nuts are with the average American voter that believed Trump was going to bring back manufacturing, lower prices, and improve the quality of their lives. This is weirdo/wacko territory we've entered now.
Absolutely NO ONE believed that. Literally, not a single voter. They voted for Trump to brutalize immigrants, degrade women, attack the universities, disparage science, and spread viciousness and stupidity across the land. That's why they continue to support the Republicans. They never cared about grocery prices or inflation. It was all garbage.
LOL! Absolutely! But that was the bile major media was spewing during the entirety of the election. And I'll be honest, I couldn't stomach listening to or watching Trump after his first run, so I really was ignorant of a lot of the specifics and promises he was making to his supporters. So I'm sure you're correct, but I was under the assumption that at the very least the Independents that crossed over to vote for him after Biden were focused on those issues.
Amalek? never heard of him. and what about Esau together with Shadrach,Meshach & Abednego. So old. so many centuries ago. but then there's the Rapture. Oh yes. the second coming. They're all drunk on wanton power because they all are brain damaged and have no soul or conscience. It's about as crazy as what I just wrote.
And I do believe that Trump promotes people like Mullins to a top position because (1) Donald is stupid and insecure about his lack of knowledge; and (2) therefore, he tries to pick people stupider than he is. That way, Donnie can feel "smart" and control his flock. He doesn't want anyone to challenge his monstrosity of an administrative cabal.
I'm sorry...we need a fighter. Tallarico ain't giving fighter. We keep picking MEN that tout their Christian faith only to turn around and use it to justify the worse behavior (Mike Huckabee, Pete Hegseth... the actual POTUS 🙄). Over and over and over again...
We scream separation of church and state...and then after watching all this crime committed in the name of religion...turn around and pick the dude in seminary?! Like ya'll really like betting the most on that losing hand 🤔...
No shade to Tallarico and his faith walk but... ya'll (those that keep voting for the "safe candidate") keep doing it to yourself.
Jesus stated facts, knew scripture, ruffled feathers, and flipped tables 😒... that's what made him effective. That's what we need. There was nothing mild about him. Which made him dangerous to the corrupt institutions...
Btw....Jasmine Crockett is literally a PK and went to religious private schools her entire life, served in the military, is an actual Civil Rights lawyer that has been putting foot to azz for the House Judiciary Committee at EVERY hearing ... but go off 🤨...
You might not like her delivery or her methods, but she is what we need, even though we don't deserve her.
Chiming in to say that I’m sympathetic to this comment, Jessica, AND also that I wasn’t expressing a preference between Talarico and Crockett.
I’m not in TX, so I didn’t have to decide whom to support in the Senate primary. IMO, Texas Dems had two extremely strong candidates to choose from in Crockett and Talarico. Had I been able to vote in the election, I would’ve taken a deep dive into both in order to make my choice. As I said to Waj, I look forward to JC’s continued bold leadership, wherever she goes next.
My point was simply to talk about the promise I see in Talarico in the way he talks about and leads with his progressive Christian faith — similar in some ways to Senator Rev. Warnock, whom I deeply admire.
At a time that white Christian nationalism is surging, it strikes me as important to have people of deep Christian faith offering a more persuasive option — and for them to be standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside people of other religious traditions (and no religion) who prioritize social justice.
I understand being ‘leery’ when religion is touted in politics. The difference I see is one of morality and authenticity. Our morals are shaped by values that often or sometimes come from our religions or faith communities. Unfortunately religion is used by some in service of themselves rather in service to a higher moral authority that espouses deep care for living beings.
Waj, thank you for a fascinating conversation! You get the best guests. I have free-subscribed to The Debrief too. Maybe when I get some money, I'll throw it your way!
It’s a relief to learn there are a few good people out there!! That he was the only one to go to CECOT and check on Abrego Garcia really meant something to many of us on the left! It was so hopeless!! It seemed when the Congressman got involved, it slowed the first big fascist Project 2025 surge. Too bad they didn’t ID lovely Project 2025 as a blueprint FOR FASCISM from the start (which is all it ever was.)
Jeffries and Schumer are AIPAC BITCHES.
And this is unrelated but @Jake Tapper is also a bitch.
Deb is right.
Talarico is what Christians call a "red letter" Christian.
I also am one.
We believe that the words of Jesus Christ are the foundation of our faith. Yes, a Jewish rabbi established our values, beliefs, and connection to God, ou father.
Christian Nationalists rarely quote Jesus, because He's just too woke. Plus, he was brown. *horrors*
As a Jew, he would have been waiting for the Messiah.
Thank you Waj and Debra the dynamic duo! I learnt lots and hope you’ll bring Debra back soon. She’s amazing.
Thanks, Zdenka! Always love speaking with Waj!
Great conversation, thank you! Please have Debra on again.
Thanks, Jill!
Yes for sure. Great conversation with Debra. More dialogue between Debra and Waj.
Thanks, Jilly! I'll be back. Please also check out The Debrief.
Debra is right about Talarico. Initially, I was very skeptical of his religiosity, but hearing him talk about his commitment to the separation of Church and State has changed my mind. I don't support the notion of "God Bless America," because personally I don't think there is a Christian, Muslim, Jewish god or any other deity. When people assume that god is on their side, that can lead to a very dangerous arrogance. Religious people who understand their own fallibility can be a very positive influence.
I have no problem with religious people who are willing to work for the betterment of the country without assuming their own religions should be imposed on others. What Waj is saying -- I agree with much of it. I can reject the idea that Jesus was the "son of god" without rejecting all of the good in his message. I think what is important is for people to join together over shared beliefs in lifting people up -- all people, not specific members of one religion. White Christian Nationalists want to lift up only those who share their arrogance and bigotry.
I subscribed to The Debrief some time ago. Debra Shushan has some wonderful discussions including the one she had recently with Brad Lander.
Thanks, Mason. Happy to have you with me on The Debrief!
Perfectly said.
One wonders how much more out of touch these nuts are with the average American voter that believed Trump was going to bring back manufacturing, lower prices, and improve the quality of their lives. This is weirdo/wacko territory we've entered now.
Absolutely NO ONE believed that. Literally, not a single voter. They voted for Trump to brutalize immigrants, degrade women, attack the universities, disparage science, and spread viciousness and stupidity across the land. That's why they continue to support the Republicans. They never cared about grocery prices or inflation. It was all garbage.
LOL! Absolutely! But that was the bile major media was spewing during the entirety of the election. And I'll be honest, I couldn't stomach listening to or watching Trump after his first run, so I really was ignorant of a lot of the specifics and promises he was making to his supporters. So I'm sure you're correct, but I was under the assumption that at the very least the Independents that crossed over to vote for him after Biden were focused on those issues.
Good point on Tallerico leaning into genuine “legacy” Christianity, which attracts all truly sacred-minded people like Waj, Deb and Mamdani.
Exactly.
Amalek? never heard of him. and what about Esau together with Shadrach,Meshach & Abednego. So old. so many centuries ago. but then there's the Rapture. Oh yes. the second coming. They're all drunk on wanton power because they all are brain damaged and have no soul or conscience. It's about as crazy as what I just wrote.
And I do believe that Trump promotes people like Mullins to a top position because (1) Donald is stupid and insecure about his lack of knowledge; and (2) therefore, he tries to pick people stupider than he is. That way, Donnie can feel "smart" and control his flock. He doesn't want anyone to challenge his monstrosity of an administrative cabal.
I'm sorry...we need a fighter. Tallarico ain't giving fighter. We keep picking MEN that tout their Christian faith only to turn around and use it to justify the worse behavior (Mike Huckabee, Pete Hegseth... the actual POTUS 🙄). Over and over and over again...
We scream separation of church and state...and then after watching all this crime committed in the name of religion...turn around and pick the dude in seminary?! Like ya'll really like betting the most on that losing hand 🤔...
No shade to Tallarico and his faith walk but... ya'll (those that keep voting for the "safe candidate") keep doing it to yourself.
Jesus stated facts, knew scripture, ruffled feathers, and flipped tables 😒... that's what made him effective. That's what we need. There was nothing mild about him. Which made him dangerous to the corrupt institutions...
Btw....Jasmine Crockett is literally a PK and went to religious private schools her entire life, served in the military, is an actual Civil Rights lawyer that has been putting foot to azz for the House Judiciary Committee at EVERY hearing ... but go off 🤨...
You might not like her delivery or her methods, but she is what we need, even though we don't deserve her.
Chiming in to say that I’m sympathetic to this comment, Jessica, AND also that I wasn’t expressing a preference between Talarico and Crockett.
I’m not in TX, so I didn’t have to decide whom to support in the Senate primary. IMO, Texas Dems had two extremely strong candidates to choose from in Crockett and Talarico. Had I been able to vote in the election, I would’ve taken a deep dive into both in order to make my choice. As I said to Waj, I look forward to JC’s continued bold leadership, wherever she goes next.
My point was simply to talk about the promise I see in Talarico in the way he talks about and leads with his progressive Christian faith — similar in some ways to Senator Rev. Warnock, whom I deeply admire.
At a time that white Christian nationalism is surging, it strikes me as important to have people of deep Christian faith offering a more persuasive option — and for them to be standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside people of other religious traditions (and no religion) who prioritize social justice.
I understand being ‘leery’ when religion is touted in politics. The difference I see is one of morality and authenticity. Our morals are shaped by values that often or sometimes come from our religions or faith communities. Unfortunately religion is used by some in service of themselves rather in service to a higher moral authority that espouses deep care for living beings.
I love this conversation! Thank you. As an American Jew I am very worried about Tucker and the Christian Zionists and, and,and. Stay safe and be well
You’re not alone, Karyle.
Me too
Waj, thank you for a fascinating conversation! You get the best guests. I have free-subscribed to The Debrief too. Maybe when I get some money, I'll throw it your way!
Thanks and welcome to The Debrief!
Now I also love both Van Hollens
That was wonderful to learn about Van Hollen's. Always wonderful to hear real stories about truly moral caring people.
It’s a relief to learn there are a few good people out there!! That he was the only one to go to CECOT and check on Abrego Garcia really meant something to many of us on the left! It was so hopeless!! It seemed when the Congressman got involved, it slowed the first big fascist Project 2025 surge. Too bad they didn’t ID lovely Project 2025 as a blueprint FOR FASCISM from the start (which is all it ever was.)
Love Deb, Waj and Van Hollen
Good Lord in Heaven. Our government is setting the whole world on fire while Trump and his court treat this like playoffs in a sports league.
It's time to get terrified.
Waj…..you crack me up
great show