Sarah McBride on Why the Left Lost on Trans Rights

Ezra Klein interviews Congresswoman Sarah McBride about the regression of public opinion on trans rights and the broader implications for political strategy. McBride attributes the decline in support to a false sense of security after the marriage equality victory, a well-funded effort to demonize trans people, and the progressive movement's abandonment of persuasion in favor of absolutism, exacerbated by social media echo chambers. She advocates for a return to grace in politics, engaging in conversations with those who disagree, and focusing on common economic ground to build broader coalitions, drawing parallels to the civil rights and marriage equality movements. McBride emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the fears and concerns of the public, particularly regarding children, while also highlighting the need for intentionality and hope in the face of cynicism.