Rebel in Texas

I spoke with Haley Stevens yesterday. Feeling a bit absurd in pointing out the obvious and being far kinder than I should have been, I reminded her that the outcome of this senate race will be viewed in the light of a future Supreme Court vacancy, and I expressed a hope that all of us understand the stakes. She assured me she's supporting Dr. El-Sayed, sent me a video of a recent speech she gave blasting Mike Rogers and said this: "Still stands. I promise." She also said she's been sending this video to other folks to make it clear where she stands on this race. Again: that was yesterday. I have known Haley Stevens for years. I have counted her as a friend and an ally. We've had many thoughtful conversations about this country, and she has never failed to remind me that her mother is a fan of my writing. Whatever other political differences we have, she has always made it clear to me she would stand with LGBTQ people. It was a red line she refused to cross. Instead, she has made the inexplicable decision to endorse a man who views LGBTQ Americans as second-class citizens unworthy of full equality. I can't help but wonder what her mother must be thinking right now. I have no idea what has happened to the person I thought I knew, but clearly, she has completely taken leave of her senses in endorsing a Republican who is little more than a Trump sycophant -- less than 24 hours after promising me that she has not wavered from the bigger picture. I am disgusted with her cynicism and cowardice in this moment. God forgive me for trusting her. If you're a Michigan voter and as disgusted as I am, get to your polling place and vote for Dr. El-Sayed.