Talarico is a guest on Bill Maher show tomorrow

[Swede]

Wonder if anyone will try block it?

[rampartd]

1. cable show

[YodaMom2]

2. I'm interested in what Talarico has to say.

Even as an atheist, I can appreciate people who actually live by the teachings of the biblical Jesus (unlike the wildly unChrist-like “Christian” Right).

But I’m not sure I can tolerate an hour of that smug, smarmy bastard Maher just to listen to Talarico.

[BannonsLiver]

3. He'll probably try to defend Bari Weiss

She and Bill are close friends and have been for at least a decade.

[YodaMom2]

4. That's right, I forgot about that.

Peas in a pod. Maher long ago ceased being anything close to liberal or progressive. He fancies himself a libertarian, which to my mind is just a right-winger with a better vocabulary and something resembling a political philosophy.

[BannonsLiver]

5. I cut ties as a fan more than a decade ago.

Used to watch him all the time. Saw him at his comedy gigs 3 times, including once in the late 90s. Then he slowly morphed into my dad politically and that was all she wrote.

[YodaMom2]

8. Same.

He lost me with his relentless diatribes against the “woke” left, a fixation clearly rooted in personal animosity (his performances at college and university campuses had been the targets of protest). And, of course, his misogyny, which became more apparent to me over time.

[pandr32]

52. Him perhaps, but certainly not most of them.

At least the ones I've encountered.

[themaguffin]

22. what would he be defending?

[SocialDemocrat61]

26. Ok

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/bill-maher-slams-media-liberal-164813010.html

[themaguffin]

27. huh?

Last edited Fri Feb 20, 2026, 12:34 PM - Edit history (1)

What does a random link have to do with this? What does Bari, piece of shit that she is, have to do with what happened to the interview?

[SocialDemocrat61]

50. This might explain it better

https://thehill.com/video/bill-maher-trashes-msm-with-lara-trump-over-liberal-bias-praises-bari-weiss-rising/11295643/

[themaguffin]

51. yeah

[SocialDemocrat61]

53. Good

Glad I could help

[themaguffin]

54. yeah

[Tree Lady]

14. I watched Bill for first time

In a year last Friday, wasn’t bad at all. He didn’t have any Trumpers on.

[Prairie Gates]

6. Fuck Bill Maher

[FakeNoose]

7. James Talarico will need a lot of patience - I hope he's ready for this

Bill Mahar can be very much of an asshole when he wants to be.

Just sayin'

[Ilikepurple]

9. Not a fan of Maher, but it will be an interesting test for Talarico

I think the more the people, especially Texans, get to see of Talarico before the primary date the better. I know if I was voting in the primary, would like to see him perform in a somewhat adversarial environment outside the dry confines of the state legislature. Crockett’s abilities to advocate for her position on the national stage are fairly well known or easy to research. I may be wrong, but I think even for Texans, Talarico is a lesser known quantity. I look forward to seeing clips and comments here.

[SocialDemocrat61]

11. Crockett is far more qualified

and doesn’t give me Fetterman vibes.

[Boo1]

13. More qualified how?

[SocialDemocrat61]

15. She's actually served in Congress

How is that even a question?

[LtTx]

17. well,

if serving in Congress is the bellweather-- then we have lots of people who have served long stints and are patently not qualified. It is about who can get Rethugs to cross the line.

[SocialDemocrat61]

19. Republicans are not going to vote for a Democrat

That's a foolish pipe dream.

[SSJVegeta]

31. Talarico is the only Democrat of the two who actually had republicans vote for him

His first run, he flipped a solid republican district.

Crockett has so far has only run in solidly Democratic districts. Regardless I think she has a ton of potential.

And Talarico is as sharp as they come -and consistent. Everything from his demeanor, his platform-and basic ability to work with people who he doesnt agree with, makes him far from a Fetterman.

Fetterman tried to make his brand about how much of a rebel he is. His campaign was all about bullying his opponents into submission with a barrage of personal attacks on social media and ads.

Talarico and Fetterman share probably nothing in common.

[SocialDemocrat61]

32. For every republican he gets

10 or more black voters will stay home.

[SSJVegeta]

36. Not tracking the logic there

[SocialDemocrat61]

38. I don't doubt it

Have a nice day

[SSJVegeta]

41. Sounds like based on the responses you are getting, most others arent either

I am genuinely interested on why you think black voters won't turn out to vote for Talarico if he was the nominee.

Its funny because people said the same thing about Obama in 2008 regarding white voters. Boy were they wrong!

[SocialDemocrat61]

44. A lot will

But more will turn out if they have a candidate they are excited to vote for. I’m not saying she’s guaranteed to win. But I don’t think he has a better chance just because he’s a white man.

[SSJVegeta]

59. Being white has nothing to do with it in my opinion

TBH he is one of the few white candidates lately who I have actually personally been excited for as a non-white person. His entire campaign is built on the messsage of unity, empowerment and respect. It is a high bar he is setting compared to most national candidates who have run for any office for a long time.

As ive said before I think Crockett has a good starting point in that she has almost always been on the right side of every issue. But her name recognition has been largely based on rhetorical cleverness as opposed to much else so far. I think that can change, but so far I think Talarico is the better candidate for not much more than having a more broadly inclusive and unifying message -and having already proven himself with a largely republican district.

[SSJVegeta]

66. Why do you think Crockett is more qualified?

Talarico has actually been a legislator for a longer time than she has. I dont think that makes him more or less qualified and in this case think they are both very qualified for the position of Senator.

Talarico's message and approach is more likely to win statewide in Texas. Just like Obama -a black man, had a message that was more likely to galvanize a large swath of the country in 2008 and 2012.

[pinkstarburst]

48. If this is actually true

For every republican he gets, 10 or more black voters will stay home.

Then maybe we need to stop putting so much respect and value in "the democratic base." If they would refuse to show up and vote for the democratic candidate, then they are of zero value and worth as a voting bloc, and we need to focus our energies on other groups that actually care and show up when it counts.

[SocialDemocrat61]

49. So you're saying black voters don't matter?

Doesn’t sound like a good strategy.

[pinkstarburst]

55. No, that's what you're saying

You're the one saying that they only plan to show up to support the democratic candidate in the general election if that candidate happens to be black, and if a white candidate wins the primary, "10 black voters will stay home for every 1 white voter that candidate gains."

Doesn't sound like those voters actually are there to support democrats, if what you are saying is true, and they just pick and choose, and only want to support black candidates, and screw anyone else who wins the primary.

If Jasmine wins the primary, good for her, and she'll have my vote in the general. But she needs to understand that she entered a race very late, when there was already a popular candidate running who was generating a lot of goodwill and support from Texans. She can't act all surprised when it isn't a runaway, and when many Texans already really liked and connected with Talarico and were planning to vote for him (I already was) and didn't switch over to her just because she jumped in at the eleventh hour. If her supporters decide to go scorched earth, well, that's a real shame and I guess she'll have poisoned the well.

[SocialDemocrat61]

63. Not.what I'm saying at all

And don’t misquote me. I said “for every republican he gets”. Running another white guy in a vain attempt to pull republican voters is misguided. Blacks are the most loyal democratic voters, but like every other voter group, they don’t all come out in every election unless there is a candidate they are excited about. So many more black voters will come out to vote if they have a black candidate to vote for.

I’m not saying that she’ll definitely win but I don’t think Telarico has a better chance just because he’s white.

[pinkstarburst]

67. I can tell you're not from Texas

You sound really out of touch about Texas politics.

Talarico is not "another white guy." Talarico was running a campaign that Texans were really excited about, and was generating a lot of positive energy IN TEXAS months and months before Jasmine decided to do anything with regards to the senate race. She entered literally on the last day of the filing deadline, after Talarico had all that energy and momentum IN TEXAS.

Now sure, Jasmine is popular nationally. But this is not a national race where people from Vermont and New York get to decide who gets to be our senator. This is for Texans to decide. And there seems to be a lot of butthurt energy that everyone isn't immediately flocking to vote for Jasmine, or that because she's served in the US House and he's served in the Texas House, he should be dismissed as unqualified.

So many more black voters will come out to vote if they have a black candidate to vote for.

If you think this attitude is okay, then I assume you are okay with white voters and Hispanic voters staying home when a black candidate is on the ticket? You can't have it both ways. Either we all show up and support the democratic candidate, or we don't.

[SSJVegeta]

69. This strawman is insane

Even after everybody makes clear that isnt the reason people generally think he is the better candidate, you insist that is the case.

Literally. NOBODY is saying he is better because he is white. But it does kind of sound like you are saying he is worse just because he is white. Which is equally silly...

Both candidates are amazing for a million reasons that have nothing to do with color.

[Quiet Em]

68. Black voters, especially Black women voters, are the most dependable, reliable and consistent voters

in the Democratic Party. They vote.

So no, that statement is not true.

And your comment that suggests not putting effort into the most reliable voters in the Democratic Party is a really bad and unhelpful suggestion.

[gulliver]

62. This seems grossly offensive to Democrats

If someone were trying to think of a more data-less, divisive, or offensive thing to say about loyal Democrats, they could hardly do better than your post. I urge you to rethink it and apologize to the Dem voting base members you may have insulted.

[hamsterjill]

64. Well said.

I was trying to formulate a response to express my own feelings of being offended, but you have stated it better than I ever could have.

Thank you.

[hamsterjill]

34. Some posters from other states do not understand Texas politics.

Lifelong Texan here, and 21-year member of DU. Texas politics is a unique animal that some do not understand. We are closer this election than we've ever been in turning Texas. So Texas Democrats are doing something right. It may still not be enough when we get to the general, but we are fighting hard and something has changed this time around. Again, it may not be enough, but outsiders are just going to have to trust the process, and we will see where we get.

Talarico has the best chance in the general. End of story. Full stop.

All of us who live down here have interactions with Republicans. Hell, we are surrounded by them. I know of at least three Republicans who have told me that if Talarico wins the primary, they will vote for him in the general. All I've heard any Republican say about Crockett is (and I quote....this is their words; not mine) that she's a "clown car". They don't like her. Whether that's right or whether that's wrong, it is fact.

If Crockett wins the primary, I will be an ardent supporter of hers in the General. But I find it quite offensive for someone to suggest that if Crockett does not win, that Black voters will stay home for the general and not vote. That doesn't give Black voters enough credit in my opinion because EVERY Democrat down here, regardless of race, color, gender or religion knows what's at stake this time around.

[SSJVegeta]

40. Crockett has almost always been on the right side of the issues in the past

And I have no doubt she will be in the future.

But I think your testimony as a Texan speaks volumes in the kind of approach that is needed to win over large portions of the population that have historically not aligned with Democrats -and win statewide.

Talarico is a rare breed of a politician in seemingly taking the right appproach, and I think it would be a huge mistake for Democrats to throw that away.

[hamsterjill]

58. Thank you for your sweet post.

My fear is that we will come close in the general and yet still not make it. I don't want to sound negative, but I always steel myself for the reality because we've been close before and yet, disappointed at the outcome.

Talarico has people talking and if he does win, I hope ALL Democrats will get behind him and support him and talk to their moderate Republican and Independent friends.

If Crockett wins, I hope the same, and will definitely be taking my own advice.

But I am truly offended when someone suggests that a certain group of voters would sit out an election just because they didn't get their way. I wanted Biden as the 2024 candidate. I thought it was a huge mistake for him to back out so close to the election. But when Kamala was the candidate, she was MY candidate. I expect no less from anyone else.

[pinkstarburst]

47. I am so hopeful for Talarico

because I truly think he has a shot at winning. In order to win, we don't just need progressive democrat votes. We have to get some independent votes. We need some of those Hispanic votes that voted for Trump in 2024. We need a candidate that people who are disturbed by the worst of what is happening right now will vote for. The choices on the Repub side are unsavory and extreme. Talarico is a choice a lot of voters can get behind. Crockett is wonderful in a national level, just like AOC is. If she were running in New York or California, she would align with their very progressive views. I agree with her on so many things. But I think she's really going to struggle to pick up anything but hard core democratic votes. She's very divisive, just like AOC, and that's just HARD when you're running in a red state.

I am also very disturbed by DU members suggesting that Black voters would stay home if Crockett isn't the candidate. How would they feel if the tables were turned and Crockett wins and Hispanic and white democrats decided to stay home and not support Crockett? Either we're all for turning this around in 2026 or we aren't.

Also, anyone frustrated that the race between Talarico and Crockett is so close needs to remember that Talarico had been running for MONTHS and was an extremely popular and well liked candidate for senate, long before Crockett decided to enter the race, literally on the date of the filing deadline. He had been campaigning, getting his message out, and gaining a lot of goodwill among Texans. Jasmine choosing to run at the last second is fine, but she shouldn't be surprised that the race is so close and not a complete blow away for her, that in fact, she may lose. She could have chosen to run for another position that didn't have someone as popular running against her, but she went for senate. That's on her.

[hamsterjill]

57. You are correct.

That was part of MY decision to vote for Talarico. He was already in the race long before Crockett filed.

I was proud of them both for running clean campaigns, but I feel that hers has become a little tarnished at the end with the Colin Allred comments and the fact that she's taken money from Cuellar's PAC (and others, I believe). My opinion, but our opinions are what decide who we vote for.

I will state again, and I'm sure you agree - if Crockett wins the primary, then I will willingly and fervently support her.

[pinkstarburst]

60. Of course

Whoever wins the primary will have my full support. I wish they were running for different things. They could have been such a driving force if they'd been getting voters to the ticket together in the general, rather than one of them knocking the other out early. Alas. But whoever wins will have my support.

[LtTx]

16. She cannot win statewide in TX

I am lifelong Texan (70 years)n except for about 8 years in Ireland and England. Crockett is great- but she will not win a statewide race in TX at this point in time. We need someone who can get Rethugs to cross the line at the voting booth. Talarico is closer to doing that than Crockett. Sad, but true. And I don't care what the polls say. Polls don't vote. There are Rethugs who do not want to vote for Paxton and would be much more likely to vote for Talarico than Crockett. Just sayin'

[SocialDemocrat61]

18. Yes, let's piss off African Americans

the biggest voting block in the Democratic Party by rejecting the Black woman in the race and picking the less qualified candidate because he's a white man in a vain attempt to get republican votes, which has never happened. Great strategy.

[LtTx]

20. The goal is to....

Get the Rethugs out. Talarico has the best chance. And yes, there are a lot of racist assholes in Texas- and guess what- they vote. We (Texans) have to get our foot in the door. Nothing against her at all- I find her refreshing and straight forward. But I have to face reality. She just cannot win against Paxton, the likely rethug candidate.

[SocialDemocrat61]

21. By what measure does he have the best chance

Every poll I've seem has them both doing about the same.

[LtTx]

23. Polls don't vote.

Neither do young people. Let's just say that I have a hunch. I have been a Texan for 70 years and have some insight to the state voters.

[SocialDemocrat61]

24. A hunch?

But African Americans do vote.

[LtTx]

29. Here you go.....

White voters are projected to make up approximately 44% of likely voters in the March 2026 Texas Democratic primary. The remaining 56% consists of Latino (28%), Black (23%), and other (5%) voters. This demographic reflects a shift in the party's base, which is increasingly diverse, though white voters remain a significant segment.
APSA Preprints
APSA Preprints
+1
Key 2026 Primary Demographic Highlights:
White Likely Voters: 44%
Latino Likely Voters: 28%
Black Likely Voters: 23%
Other/Undisclosed: 5%
Gender: 60% Women, 40% Men
Generations: 35% Silent/Baby Boomer, 25% Gen-X, 40% Millennial/Gen-Z
University of Houston
University of Houston
While the Texas Democratic primary population is 44% white, this group often splits their support between candidates, with some polls indicating a 14-point advantage for specific candidates among white voters. Other studies indicate that white women with college degrees are 15 points more likely to lean Democratic.
Pew Research Center
Pew Research Center
+1

[SocialDemocrat61]

30. Proves nothing

That’s just a poll of democrats. I assume all will vote for the democratic nominee. Especially blacks if they have a black candidate to vote for. Unless you’re claiming that white democratic voters won’t vote for a black candidate?

[pinkstarburst]

37. Sounds like you're implying

That’s just a poll of democrats. I assume all will vote for the democratic nominee. Especially blacks if they have a black candidate to vote for. Unless you’re claiming that white democratic voters won’t vote for a black candidate?

Sounds like you're the one implying Black voters won't show up vote if they don't have a black candidate to vote for...

[SocialDemocrat61]

39. No it's implying

that more blacks voters will come out to vote in greater numbers if they have a candidate they are excited to vote for.

[pinkstarburst]

43. Well, then we can say the same

that more blacks voters will come out to vote in greater numbers if they have a candidate they are excited to vote for.

Well, then we can say the same for every demographic then, can't we? Without making accusations like "so are you saying white and Hispanic voters won't vote for a black candidate?" Maybe they'll just "come out to vote in greater numbers if they have a candidate they are excited to vote for" too?

[SocialDemocrat61]

46. Hispanics will be more excited for

a Hispanic candidate. But it’s not like white voters will get excited for a white candidate because there are always white candidates, and have been for over 200 years.

[pinkstarburst]

35. I truly hope Talarico wins the primary

He has the best chance by far of winning the general.

I would be SHOCKED if racist misogynistic Texas elects a Black woman to the senate. Even with Talarico, it will be a long shot and will require democrats busting their butts getting the vote out. The one silver lining is if Crockett by some miracle did win in November, it would forever put to rest the argument that we have to have a white straight christian male candidate for president in 2028, which I keep seeing argued over and over, that it has to be Andy Beshear, or Prtizer, or Chris Murphy, or a handful or other ho hum people I have no interest in voting for. If Crockett were to win, that argument gets thrown out the window and now we CAN have a gay man nominee in 2028. We CAN have a woman nominee in 2028. Would love to see a Buttigieg/AOC ticket, if that is the case.

But again, I'm pulling for Talarico and hoping he wins the March primary.

[pinkstarburst]

42. Let me guess, you aren't from Texas?

Texas is 12% black. It's majority Hispanic at the last census, and has about the same number of white people (about 41% of each.) In order to win in Texas in the general, not just the primary, a candidate has to get votes from all those demographics.

Talarico is in no way the less qualified candidate. He's absolutely as qualified as Jasmine, was in the race and had a lot of goodwill and support and enthusiasm from Texans for his campaign LONG BEFORE Jasmine decided to enter the race literally the day of the filing deadline. If Jasmine wanted to run, I truly do not understand why she picked a race where a popular candidate was already running and then acted all shocked when it wasn't an instant runaway win for her. She may very well not win, and it's her own fault. She would have done MUCH BETTER to chose an office that didn't have anyone well known running for it.

[SocialDemocrat61]

45. So the white man who's never served in Congress

is more qualified than the black woman who’s actually been in congress? Interesting.

[LtTx]

61. I believe that most of us are saying

that in today's climate, Talarico has a better chance of getting votes than Crockett does statewide. Yes she has experience but that doesn't always correlate to who will be able to garner votes. Lots of people who are better qualified for jobs don't get the job in many professions. As an example, I am a retired RN. BSN. During the mid-80's males made up a much smaller percentage of nurses but held a larger share proportionately than females in management positions. They were certainly not always the best qualified, but that is how it was/is in many professions still.

[themaguffin]

12. He's a potentially good candidate, but yeah lesser known. These appearances are a good opportunity for him to

make himself known, make his case and share his views etc.

[TexasBushwhacker]

25. I am a lifelong Texan

I will vote for whoever is the Democrat in the general election.

This is a mid-term election and they tend to have lower voter turnouts. But a big battle can get people to the polls. Texas isn't a "red" state. It's a non-voting state. The Republicans have been in power for so long that many Democrats feel like their vote is meaningless. When it comes to POTUS, it still is.

But POTUS isn't everything. Ted Cruz won in 2012 by 16 points. In 2018, he won by only 2.6%. He did better against Colin Allred in 2024 (9%) but nothing close to his 2012 margin. My hope is that whoever is the Democratic nominee this year beats Cornyn, and whoever isn't (Talarico or Crockett) challenges Cruz in 2030.

[pinkstarburst]

33. I already voted in the Tx primary

Talarico is a much better choice than Crockett. So much of Crockett's support right now is coming from non-Texans, and that's fine, she's a popular national figure, but that doesn't necessarily translate into how she's going to perform when it's time for her to run in the general election in November--and need to pick up votes from Independents if she wants to win.

She's made one of her positions that she's going to ban assault rifles. Same mistake Beto made. That plays really well on the national stage among progressives, and as a democrat, of course, I wish we could do this, but it is an absolute losing position in Texas. They will come for her just like they did for Beto and she will lose.

Talarico is also for a much more middle of the road position with regards to Israel, and only supports funding defensive measures like the Iron Dome. Jasmine supports fully funding weapons of war. This position may lose her votes from young voters, just like it lost us votes in 2024.

I was a strong Talarico supporter long before Crockett decided to throw her name in at the last minute. I wish she had chosen to run for something else. It would have been better if they were fighting side by side to get the vote out, rather than having an ugly primary.

[Iggo]

56. I don't watch Bill Maher for any reason.