L. Douglas Wilder, a grandson of slaves, became America’s first elected black governor 30 years ago, winning in Virginia in part by finessing the racist history of the state that is now roiling its politics once more. To succeed as a black candidate in 1989, Mr. Wilder had to patiently […] Read more »
The Tricky Business of Judging Politicians
… There is a legitimate debate over what misdeeds are the political equivalent of misdemeanors and ought to be survivable, which ones are political felonies and should be dealt with in a more punitive way, and which ones are in effect, political capital offenses. And is there a statute of […] Read more »
Only 58% of Americans oppose blackface
The roiling blackface scandal in Virginia continues. It not only includes Gov. Ralph Northam (D) but now also Attorney General Mark Herring (D), who says he dressed in blackface at a college party. The scandal has put renewed focus on how this racist depiction of African Americans has endured well […] Read more »
Yes, Virginia, This is Chaos
Saying that anything in the annals of American political history is “unique” or “unprecedented” is dangerous, for the simple fact that the past is filled with so many oddities from which we can draw parallels. That said, we’re struggling to come up with something equivalent to what we’ve seen in […] Read more »
Why No One Should Be Surprised By Democratic Calls For Ralph Northam’s Resignation
Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is under intense pressure to resign his office in the wake of the publication of a racist photo that appeared in his medical school yearbook. And most Virginia Democratic leaders and groups have called for him to resign. But if you’re surprised by these calls […] Read more »
What voters are saying on Election Day: Virginia’s 10th CD
Virginia’s 10th Congressional District is among dozens of battlegrounds controlled by Republicans that will determine who controls the House. Rep. Barbara Comstock, a two-term Republican who represents the district’s constituents in suburban Northern Virginia, faces off against her Democrat rival, state Sen. Jennifer T. Wexton (Loudon). CONT. Chris Alcantara, Scott Clement […] Read more »