The Daily Why Are All Eyes on the Virginia Governor’s Race?
Oct 18, 2021
Lisa Lerer, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the heated Virginia governor's race. She discusses how Virginia's political landscape has shifted and how Biden's declining approval ratings open opportunities for Republicans. Key issues like education and parental involvement heat up the debate, while candidates grapple with the influence of Trump. The conversation underscores the intense division among voters on topics such as critical race theory and vaccine mandates, making this race pivotal for both parties.
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Virginia's Importance
- The Virginia governor's race is the first competitive election since Biden took office, offering insights into the current political climate.
- It's also the first race without Trump directly involved, allowing observation of voter sentiment without his influence.
National Implications
- The Virginia race serves as a testing ground for whether the national political environment favors Republicans or Democrats.
- Factors like Biden's approval ratings, crime rates, inflation, and supply chain issues play a role.
McAuliffe's Challenges
- Terry McAuliffe, a former Virginia governor and Democratic candidate, openly acknowledges facing headwinds due to Biden's unpopularity.
- He emphasizes the need for Congress to pass the infrastructure bill, believing it would boost his campaign.