But that fact hasn't prevented Youngkin and other Republicans from using it to scare White voters.ĭionne explains, "As Youngkin's Democratic opponent, former governor Terry McAuliffe, told me in an interview on Wednesday, critical race theory has 'never been taught' in Virginia public schools, and 'it's not supposed to be taught.' Moreover, harping on critical race theory is an effort to rip apart parents on a serious issue that should be discussed calmly, thoughtfully and respectfully: How can schools offer students an accurate rendering of the American story?" CRT, which contends that racism of the past affects institutions of the present, isn't being taught in public middle schools or high schools. One of the most cynical parts of Youngkin's gubernatorial campaign is his obsession with "critical race theory," a field of academic study that is taught in some colleges and universities. The same signal must be sent about Youngkin's hope that railing against teaching 'critical race theory' in public schools is the ticket to victory." A Youngkin defeat, by contrast, will demonstrate that Trump is lethal with middle-of-the-road voters, precisely what fence-sitting Republicans need to hear."ĭionne adds, "Virginia's voters - especially moderate Republicans who want to build a better party and independents who want less polarized politics - need to send a message: Betting the future on the extremism Trump peddles and the lies he tells is a dangerous, ultimately doomed wager. "If Youngkin succeeds, it will tell the GOP's politicians all over the nation that they can simultaneously embrace Donald Trump for the purpose of rallying the former president's base and playact moderation just well enough to win over the suburban swing voters they need to prevail.
#VIRGINIA GOVERNOR RACE DOMINATE AD WARS TRIAL#
"Republican Glenn Youngkin is engaged in a trial run of a strategy that might be called the Trump Hypocrisy Two-Step," Dionne explains.
Dionne discusses Youngkin in his October 20 column, arguing that the election will be a referendum on Trumpism. It's a difficult needle to thread in a swing state, but it may work if Youngkin pulls off a narrow victory.
On Tuesday, November 2, voters in Virginia will decide whether their next governor will be Democrat Terry McAuliffe or Republican Glenn Youngkin - who has tried to appear moderate and downplay his Trumpist ideas without offending the MAGA crowd.