The Daily

How the G.O.P. Picked Trans Kids as a Rallying Cry

Jun 1, 2023

Adam Nagourney, West Coast cultural affairs correspondent for The New York Times, delves into the Republican Party's surprising focus on transgender youth as a key campaign issue. He discusses how conservative strategies have shifted since 2019, capitalizing on post-pandemic skepticism toward medical authority. The conversation explores legislation targeting transgender minors, sparked debates around sports and gender identity, and the intricate political maneuvering that has shaped public perception. It's a compelling look at the interplay between politics and LGBTQ rights.

27:44

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Episode guests

Adam Nagourney

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Trans Rights and Political Maneuvering

15min

Rallying Against Trans Youth: Conservative Strategies Post-Pandemic

2min

Legislation Against Transgender Minors

4min

The Challenge of Framing Trans Rights Through the Lens of Youth

3min

Transgender Issues and Debt Ceiling Politics: A Presidential Campaign Launch

3min

With stunning speed, the status of trans youth has become the rallying cry of the Republican Party, from state legislatures to presidential campaigns.

Adam Nagourney, who covers West Coast cultural affairs for The New York Times, explains how that came to be, and why it’s proving such a potent issue.

Guest: Adam Nagourney, a West Coast cultural affairs correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Defeated on same-sex marriage, the religious right went searching for an issue that would re-energize supporters and donors.
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, anti-gay rhetoric and calls to roll back L.G.B.T.Q. rights have grown bolder among Republican elected officials and candidates.

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