National attention has been focused on the recent statewide elections in New Jersey and Virginia. Many political observers have expressed surprise at the outcomes, particularly in Virginia.
I am not surprised by what happened; to the contrary, I would have been if there were a different result.
It has been clear to me for some time that the Democrats have not understood how the state was turned “blue.” And far too many of those who have benefited from those effects don’t know, or refuse to acknowledge that not too distant history.
I know it well, and I am aware of another adage. “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
Democrat leadership needs to practice and improve upon this record of real inclusion.
Virginia’s return to “purple” will continue and Democrats should not believe this is a temporary turn from blue.
Republicans may show that they learned from this election that the
people said to both parties “don’t take us for granted.”
For more context on what the results reveal about Virginians, as well as the impact on future elections, state and national, I invite you to view my interview, which aired with Jan Jeffcoat on The National Desk on Nov. 12.
Stay tuned.
