by Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
(TriceEdneyWire.com) – Four years ago, I explained to my readers that every election is so significant in its national impact that it has become essential for all citizens to become involved in as many of them as is practical. I know that voters are restricted in participation by their residential jurisdiction. I am most assuredly not advocating illegal voting or voting in more than one location. I am advocating engagement by making campaign contributions, by participating in phone banks, or by encouraging relatives and/or friends in a specific jurisdiction into active participation.
Just across the Potomac River, my neighbors in Virginia to the south are facing such an election. It is the gubernatorial election between former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Republican candidate, Glen Youngkin. In most ways, this election is larger than the two opponents as most political analysts will concede it holds significant national implications. More than a contest between Democrats and Republicans, there is little question that the outcome will have a determinative effect on the future of the American democracy. Why? Youngkin is considered by many to be a clone of Donald Trump who is merely waging a surrogate campaign to enhance and rehabilitate the political capital of the twice impeached, disgraced ex-president.
For me and like-minded individuals, the choice is simple. Matthew 7:16 tells us “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” If that is the case, McAuliffe has an enviable official record that is admired more by the average citizen than the “Trump Republican.” During his term as governor, McAuliffe vetoed bills which infringed abortion and LBGQT Rights.
He not only championed progressive social issues, he was a strong advocate for economic development and job creation. During his tenure, Virginia collected more than $20 billion in new capital investment, $7 billion more than any previous governor. He participated in more than 35 trade and marketing missions to five continents, more than any other preceding governor, to promote state tourism and other products. During his term, Virginia unemployment fell from 5.7 percent to 3.3 percent and personal income rose by 14.19 percent. Among other accomplishments, McAuliffe restored voting rights to 173,000 released felons, more than any governor in U.S. history.
I must weigh these accomplishments against the potential of Glenn Youngkin. For twenty-five years, Youngkin worked for The Carlyle Group, an international private equity and investment firm. He is touted as having worked his way to the top of that company, but his activities while working at Carlyle were not well-defined, at least in the resources I explored. I could not determine what, if any connection Youngkin had with allegations of defense contractor profiteering related to the war in the middle-east or the default of loans during the subprime mortgage crisis.
He is said to be active in his church and involved in the development of youth and protection of seniors, but, as I see it, only through vague references on his campaign website. His party support seems to come from two sources. He has been endorsed by Donald Trump and the Trump base of the Republican Party has gone ‘whole-hog’ in their support of him.
His greatest asset is his connection with Trump with whom he is likened. He comes from the business world, unfettered with the experience of elected office. He’s allegedly opposed to choice for women on abortion and directly states his opposition to Black History (Critical Race Theory). He supports the ‘usual suspect’ of Republican politics–gun rights.
Most significantly, any election success he might achieve is being labeled as the “second coming” of Donald Trump. Of all the negatives I assign him, Youngkin’s connection to Trump is the most egregious. Our country cannot heal with the increasing influence of Trump or his clone.
(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women.)