Vermont's gubernatorial race features a trans woman, but Full Frontal found only a 'nerd' trying to fix the internet
Vermont Democrat Christine Hallquist is vying to become America's first openly transgender governor. Samantha Bee's Full Frontal sent Ashley Nicole Black up to Vermont to check in on the race, and she decided to cover it as if she were making an Oscar-winning biopic of a transgender trailblazing hero. Hallquist quickly disabused her of the idea, explaining that nobody in Vermont cares about her gender — she's running on a plan to fix the state's shoddy internet. The voters Black talked to backed up that narrative. "I have to say, since I've been here, everyone seems one, very nice; two, very well informed," she told one voter. "Maybe you guys should not get internet."
"I was looking to make a movie about, like, a very cool trans woman overcoming the odds, and I guess now my movie's about a nerd bringing the internet to Vermont," Black told Hallquist. "Yeah, I like the sound of that better," she replied. And then Black went into voiceover: "And I realized that while I was looking for a villain for my movie, it turns out — Shyamalan twist — the villain was me. I was trying to make Christine fit into my story, but hers is way better."
The race is rated a likely win for Hallquist's non-villainous opponent, Gov. Phil Scott (R) — the most recent poll shows him leading by 14 percentage points.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published