(USNewsMag.com) – Virginia voters will head to the poll next month to elect a new governor. Former President Barack Obama recently hit the campaign trail, hoping to give Democrat Terry McAuliffe a late boost. During a campaign event, the 44th POTUS issued a warning to the left.
On October 23, Obama held a campaign event in Richmond for McAuliffe, who served as governor from 2014 to 2018. The former President framed the fight as an indicator of what’s to come next year. He slammed Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin for supporting former President Donald Trump, saying he can’t pretend to be a regular guy receiving support for people who “seek to tear down our democracy.” Obama also told Democrats they needed to get out and vote, not sit on the sofa, to stop conservatives from taking control of the state.
VIRGINIA: While stumping for former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) this past weekend, former President Obama accused Republicans of not trying to compete with ideas but rather trying to "rig elections." pic.twitter.com/gaLVOIrLma
— Forbes (@Forbes) October 25, 2021
It’s no wonder Obama is afraid. The race between McAuliffe and Youngkin is incredibly close. The Cook Political Report called it a toss-up a couple of weeks ago and has not changed its prediction. FiveThirtyEight’s polling average is showing the race is neck-in-neck with the Democrat at 48.1%, while the GOP candidate is trailing with 46.2%.
The 44th President is right, the race is being seen as a predictor of sorts for the 2022 midterms. If Republicans win, it might be a sign that they’re going to ride a red wave to victory next year. The fact that Obama is afraid of losing the Democratic stronghold shows just how much power the GOP might have.
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