Republican Glenn Youngkin’s come-from-behind victory in the governor’s race proved the maxim that Virginia is for moderates. Throughout the campaign, Democrat Terry McAuliffe squandered his reputation as a business-friendly, centrist former governor who worked constructively with a Republican legislature. Instead, he became a Trump-obsessed attack dog who nationalized the race at a time when his own party’s president was becoming a drag on his candidacy. …
There are many parallels between McAuliffe and Biden, two older politicians figuring out a way to navigate a party where the center of power is rapidly gravitating towards younger, left-wing activists. Both have chosen to pander to their party’s progressive wing instead of confronting the political damage that’s been created. The lessons in Virginia are clear. We’ll see if the president learns in time for a necessary course correction. CONTINUED
Josh Kraushaar, National Journal
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