27 Comments
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Mitchimuspr1me's avatar

He didn’t even have to say very much. Just say it’s within our rights to make these decisions and then pivot to the real problems not being addressed. Constituents across the country have never been more primed to shut off the trans panic than they are now because things have fallen so hard to shit, everywhere, that anyone discussing trans policies instead of the issues genuinely impacting their lives reveals the fear induction game for what it is.

Shirley Gauthier she/her's avatar

You said it perfectly "

"He didn’t even have to say very much. Just say it’s within our rights to make these decisions and then pivot to the real problems not being addressed."

Artur Akkerman, LCSW, CLC's avatar

“Government has no business sticking its nose into our personal lives, whether that’s a gun safe, whether that’s a doctor’s office. I don’t want a politician anywhere near it. So, well, let’s leave sports to the leagues that actually run them. Let’s let people live their lives with dignity and make their own private personal decisions, and let’s keep politics the heck out of it. Because what I see with that kind of anger and rhetoric is a lot of singing and dancing, and they’re singing and dancing while they pick our pockets. I won’t stand for that..”

I love this ❤️🏳️‍⚧️

Lynn Formigoni's avatar

A Democrat being brave, scientific, and empathic, instead of throwing TQIA+ people under the bus? Wow, that's shockingly refreshing, and it really shouldn't have to be

Gwen she/her's avatar

When are they going to learn this is how it's done.

You can't sustain a panic that's made up.

Kelly O’Brien's avatar

I stand in awe. Sam Forstag said it simply and with no hedging: Government, GTFO of our personal lives.

Resist Herr GropenFuhrer's avatar

Thank you SO MUCH for this excellent report! Just donated to him for the first time (don't live in MT).

Polls are very close -- he's ahead in some, behind in others. If you can, please give TODAY so he'll know why the wave of cash is washing over him!

Direct to him: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dw_mt01

Be sure to adjust the split if you want -- I did and gave it all to him.

I especially love that he found a way to respond that leans heavily into classic R talking points about keeping gov't out of our private lives. That should make some folks think ...

Joan the Dork's avatar

Those are good answers. He concisely dismissed the lies and re-framed the culture war issues as matters of personal liberty vs. government meddling so his dipshit bigot opponent couldn't control the narrative.

I especially appreciate that he called out the lies 𝘢𝘴 lies, clearly and unambiguously, which is 𝘧𝘢𝘳 too damned rare to see; politicians and reporters alike spend way too much time tiptoeing around harsh language when they're debating or interviewing bigots, and it makes them look like they lack conviction in their own positions. Speaking plainly, even bluntly, is a virtue when confronting a confident liar, especially in this political climate. Conviction matters more to our fuckwit electorate than facts and evidence do, as the whole last decade of political chaos amply proves. If the liar appears to have it and you do not, the liar wins, because most of the people watching at home are 𝘯𝘰𝘵 doing any follow-up on their own time.

Jayna Sheats's avatar

"...a unique character trait to a lot of those of the female sex,” Brittain said on Dec. 8." (Quote from the article referenced in this post, attempting to denigrate another conservative who happens to be a woman, and one of menopausal age).

Mr.Forstag's answers and position may resonate well in a state where keeping your nose out of other people's business is high on the list of "values." I wish him the very best of luck.

Tammy's avatar

Thank you for this, Erin! Sam Forstag is a model. A model candidate, as well as a model human being. I would love to see more like him in all walks of life. He speaks Truth, which is rare in itself, and he does it simply assuming because he has stated Trans-rights are the same as everyone else's, equally protected, that it is obvious to everyone, as it should be. After all, they are Human Rights. Get out there and vote, and make sure your neighbor votes. Our Human Rights are on the line.

Letters From a Trans-American's avatar

Trans-Americans For Forstag!!!

This is what courage looks like.

I just hope Montanans recognize it.

Mike Gelt's avatar

Finally, we have a strong politician who has refused to throw the transgender community under the bus! That individual is Frostag, who is running against Flint. In. MT. Meanwhile, Flint and the Republicans seem to have little to offer voters beyond pushing false claims and fearmongering about the transgender community.

I can’t wait to see what happens in this election cycle in many races voters have ignored these attacks. For too long, voters have been distracted by these attacks and have ignored the real issues affecting their lives. Enough of this bullshit! The transgender community deserves dignity, respect, and equal treatment—not to be used as a political punching bag.

This cycle voters have seen through these distractions and demand that candidates focus on the issues that actually matter to their communities.

William Flug's avatar

Hey, Sam! I'm down!

Boomer Mode by Valerie Schultz's avatar

This is the way. It's not even hard to make these clear statements.

Wallis Bolz's avatar

"Representative Zooey Zephyr, a transgender state legislator that lives in Forstag’s district..."

Zooey Zephyr is a transgender state legislator WHO lives in Forstag's district.

Wallis Bolz's avatar

And thank you for this article on Sam Forstag. We are fans.

Talia Perkins's avatar

Thank you for the reporting Mrs. Reed.

Come ci, come ca.

flapjacks's avatar

Thank you for this, I needed some joy today! We need more brave folks like this. It's not difficult, Dems, please ignore whatever overpriced political consultant is advising you otherwise, you'll save money *and* win elections!