The Republican Party has been investing millions of dollars in anti-trans advertisements in a play to reach moderates and voters on the left who feel uncomfortable with or confused by transgender rights. In this episode of “The Opinions,” the New York Times Opinion deputy editor, Patrick Healy, and the columnist M. Gessen discuss these ads and the fear they’re tapping into in American society.
The Real Reasons the G.O.P. Is Spending Millions on Anti-Trans Ads
Republicans are banking on an issue that isn’t a priority for voters: trans rights.Below is a transcript of an episode of “The Opinions.” We recommend listening to it in its original form for the full effect. You can do so using the player above or on the NYT Audio App, Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
Patrick Healy: I’m Patrick Healy, deputy editor of New York Times Opinion. I’ve covered American politics for decades as a reporter and editor and running our New York Times focus groups.
M. Gessen: My name is Masha Gessen. I’m an Opinion columnist at The New York Times. I write about politics. I specialize in Russia and autocracy and L.G.B.T.Q. rights.
Healy: Election Day is just over a week away, and one thing I’ve been watching is this onslaught of anti-transgender ads that Republicans are blanketing across swing states.