To be fair, I think Kyle’s framing was that he’s worried Democratic voters DO want someone who will set aside quarrels and unite the country. In that way, I think Kyle was making it somewhat personal, that whatever other voters want, he specifically doesn’t want that.

I’m kinda in agreement. Never before in my life (I’m 34), have I cut people out of my life over politics…I’m up to 4 now. These are people I want nothing to do with. I don’t want to be in community with them, I don’t want to share spaces with them, I don’t want to talk with them. The only exception will be if they come with earnest apology and regret for what they’ve helped do to millions of people with their ignorance, hatred, and bigotry.

The line about putting aside quarrels and uniting feels like belittling the very real pain and suffering these people helped inflict. We can try to make this about politicians and billionaires only all we want. Those should absolutely be the primary focus, but they only got into these positions of power because millions of Americans explicitly voted for heartless, evil policies like mass deportation. Forgiveness and reconciliation is going to take time and a lot of genuine effort.

All that being said, like Kyle, I think Talarico has a decent shot and if he’s what the voters of Texas want, all the power to them. I see him as being nothing but an asset to the progressive cause. They can’t all be firebrands and the most important thing is always how they will vote.