Michael Knowles, a prominent broadcaster known for his controversial views on transgender issues, has stirred up the political landscape once again by suggesting that 2024 Republican presidential candidates should prioritize transgender kids over what he terms as “bread-and-butter, dinner table issues.” While Knowles has been a vocal advocate for eradicating what he calls “transgenderism,” his latest comments have sparked debate within conservative circles.
In a recent broadcast, Knowles criticized former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican presidential candidate, for his stance on transgender issues. Knowles suggested that Hutchinson’s decline in national polls could be attributed to his perceived support for “transing the kids,” a term he did not elaborate on. This statement may be a reference to Hutchinson’s veto of a 2021 law that aimed to ban gender-affirming care for trans minors, a decision ultimately overridden by the legislature.
Knowles argued, “What we’re being told by all the genius GOP consultants is we’ve got to turn away from the culture war issues. No one wants to hear about ‘transing the kids’ or anything like that.” He further claimed that this approach was decisive in the downfall of Hutchinson’s career and played a pivotal role in the success of other candidates like Glenn Youngkin in Virginia and Ron DeSantis in Florida.
However, polling data paints a different picture. An April Fox News poll showed that, among registered voters, transgender issues ranked 14th among the “most important issues facing the country today.” Issues such as the economy, cost of living, gun violence, and healthcare were deemed more pressing concerns. Moreover, DeSantis’ popularity stemmed from his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, not exclusively from his stance on transgender issues.
While Knowles advises other candidates to follow DeSantis’ approach, it’s important to note that DeSantis has consistently trailed behind former President Donald Trump in national polls. Trump’s campaign has not made transgender youth a central plank, instead focusing on other themes and portraying himself as a victim of left-wing opposition.
In a political landscape filled with diverse concerns, the role of transgender issues in shaping the 2024 Republican presidential campaigns remains a subject of debate and scrutiny.