God, Guns, and the GOP: How Faith and Power Collide in Texas (A conversation with Robert Downen)

Garrett Fulce talks with Texas Monthly reporter Robert Downen about covering the intersection of faith and politics in Texas. The conversation ranges from Downen’s early work exposing abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention to the current tensions inside the Texas GOP between establishment figures and grassroots activists. They discuss the rise of Christian nationalism, how extremism seeps into policymaking, and what it means to report truthfully in a hyper-polarized environment. Downen also reflects on journalism’s future in the digital era and the ethical tightrope reporters walk when sources see coverage itself as a badge of honor.

0:00 – “Rewarding tantrums”: Garrett’s opening monologue
1:55 – Downen’s path from evangelical roots to journalism
3:18 – From Houston Chronicle to Texas Monthly — how reporting evolved
12:27 – Digital algorithms and the decline of local news
14:28 – Covering politicians and faith leaders who see media as the enemy
23:00 – Inside power struggles and grassroots extremism in Texas GOP
32:57 – Media credibility and public mistrust
34:41 – Online radicalization and political violence
45:12 – How right-wing extremism reshapes policy debate
54:19 – Religion in Texas primaries and future trends
1:08:12 – Closing thoughts on journalism’s role in a fractured state

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