In a recent appearance on CNN, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin displayed a remarkable ability to sidestep direct questions, particularly regarding Donald Trump’s controversial statements. Many have noted his unsettling resemblance to the smugness often associated with figures like JD Vance.
Youngkin’s interview took a sharp turn when Jake Tapper pressed him about Trump’s alarming comments on using the military against American citizens. During a Fox Business interview, Trump made it clear he was not just referring to hypothetical threats but mentioned specific individuals, like Congressman Adam Schiff. “The bigger problem is the enemy from within,” Trump claimed, labeling certain groups as “radical-left lunatics” who could be handled by the National Guard or military if necessary.
This troubling rhetoric harkens back to Trump’s earlier statements during the Black Lives Matter protests in Washington, D.C. Many will remember how he once suggested shooting protestors while standing beside retired General Mark Milley. Instead of acting on his threats, he opted for a show of force, ordering the crowd to be gassed and bombarded with flash-bang grenades to create a photo opportunity holding a Bible upside down in front of St. John’s Church.
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In light of these past incidents, Youngkin’s dismissal of Trump’s words raised eyebrows. When confronted with transcripts and video evidence of Trump’s remarks, Youngkin simply smirked and denied the quotes, stating, “I don’t think Trump was referring to sending the military after Americans.” Tapper, incredulous, read Trump’s words back to him, emphasizing, “He’s literally talking about sending the military after Democrats.” Youngkin, however, remained steadfast in his refusal to acknowledge the reality of Trump’s statements.
While Youngkin attempted to shift focus onto Virginia’s voter roll purges, which have drawn scrutiny and lawsuits, his evasive tactics regarding Trump’s rhetoric cannot be overlooked. His policies as governor include a stance against raising the minimum wage and legalizing marijuana, and he has shown support for controversial measures like police obtaining warrants for menstrual tracking apps.
Despite his attempts to present a moderate front, Youngkin’s political affiliations and actions paint a different picture. The upcoming elections may see a shift, especially with Virginia’s same-day voter registration policy, allowing those purged from the voter rolls to re-register. Recent polls indicate that Kamala Harris maintains a lead in Virginia, suggesting that Youngkin’s political maneuvering may not be enough to secure his desired outcomes as his term approaches its conclusion next year.
