State of Virginia: More than a governor election

The United States is looking forward to today’s governor election in the state of Virginia. If the Democrats lose, that defeat will return to President Biden. The commitment of the applicants is correspondingly high.

Until the last minute, candidates Glenn Young and Terry McAuliffe campaigned in Virginia. Both are well aware that everything is in danger in this gubernatorial election: not only is it the Virginia Democrats or Republicans, but this election is a test for President Joe Biden and his Democrats.

Young, the Republican nominee, appears confident when he appears in the Hanover County parking lot. “There’s an idea that change is coming,” he shouts. “And, everyone agrees that there has to be a change!”

Trump factor

The political newcomer toured tirelessly across the southern state on his campaign bus. The 54-year-old head of the family has earned millions from being chairman of a private equity firm for 25 years. He is a bit away from former President Donald Trump in order to win over the smart, moderate Democrats.

With success. Like Trump, Young has goals – no tax cuts, no free school elections, no tax-funded abortions – says Dvoma of Hanover County on the sidelines of an election campaign event. But in terms of personality, they are “completely different human beings”. Young is a quiet, humorous family man, says Duma, the only African American woman in the distance at a Republican event. Moreover, they do not think Trump will play a role in this election.

Democrats play drums

A few miles south, on a university campus in Richmond, the capital of Virginia, Democratic candidate McAuliffe is trying to win over his constituents. The 64-year-old was governor of the state from 2014 to 2018.

Democrats have realized the importance of this election and have rallied a large number of party celebrities in support over the past few weeks. First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Biden and Barack Obama.

Fear of democracy

1.1 million voters have already voted in advance, 6 times more than in 2017. That, too, is an indicator of the enormous relevance of this election. Richmond University professor Mignonne has already voted for McAuliffe for one simple reason: “Because the alternative is terrifying. In this country we are really losing our democracy. There is a lot of danger.” According to them, social justice and the right to vote are the most important issues: “Democracy can only exist if we can vote.”

The outcome of the election is uncertain, but one thing is already clear: the defeat of McAuliffe and the loss of Virginia will be a severe setback for Democrats. This will be a bad omen for the by-elections in the coming year – perhaps beyond that.