Status: 02.11.2021 1:11 p.m
The United States is spellbound at today’s governor election in the state of Virginia. If the Democrats lose, the defeat will fall back on President Biden. The commitment of the applicants is correspondingly high.
The two candidates Glenn Youngkin and Terry McAuliffe campaigned in Virginia until the last minute. Both know only too well that everything is at stake in this gubernatorial election: It’s not just about whether Virginia will be governed democratically or republican in the future, but the election is considered a mood test for President Joe Biden and his Democrats.
Youngkin, the Republican nominee, appears confident during an appearance in a Hanover County parking lot. “There is an impression that there will be a change,” he exclaims. “And by the way, there is a consensus that there must be a change!”
Governor election in Virginia is also considered a mood test for US President Biden
Rupert Wiederwald, ARD Washington, daily topics 10:15 p.m., November 2nd, 2021
The Trump factor
The political newcomer tirelessly toured the southern state with his campaign bus. The 54-year-old family man was head of a private equity firm for 25 years and made millions with it. Clever as he is, he has distanced himself somewhat from former President Donald Trump in order to win over moderate Democrats as well.
With success. Youngkin has similar goals as Trump – tax cuts, free choice of schools, no tax-financed abortion – says Twama from Hanover County on the sidelines of the campaign event. But in terms of personality, they are “completely different men”. Youngkin is a quiet, witty family man, says Twama, who is far and away the only African American at the Republican event. And, no, they don’t think Trump has a role to play in this election.
Republican candidate Youngkin emphasizes his independence. A victory would give ex-President Trump a boost.
Build: AP
He knows the job, but Terry McAuliffe knows this election isn’t just about him.
Image: AFP
The democratic prominence is drumming
A few miles south, on the university campus in Richmond, the Virginia capital, Democratic candidate McAuliffe is lobbying his voters. The 64-year-old was the state governor from 2014 to 2018.
The Democrats are aware of the importance of this election and have mobilized a number of prominent party figures in support in recent weeks. First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Biden and, on this day, Barack Obama.
fear for democracy
A record number of 1.1 million voters have already made use of early voting, six times as many as in 2017. This is also an indicator of the enormous relevance of this election. Mignonne, a Richmond University professor, has already voted for McAuliffe for one simple reason: “Because the alternative is terrifying. We’re literally losing our democracy in this country. There’s too much at stake.” For her, the most important issues are social justice and the right to vote: “We can only have a democracy if we can vote.”
The outcome of the election is uncertain, but one thing is already clear: a loss of McAuliffe and Virginia would be a serious defeat for the Democrats. And it would be a bad omen for the midterms in the coming year – and maybe even beyond.
Virginia gubernatorial election: touchstone for the Biden administration
Claudia Sarre, ARD Washington, 2.11.2021 9:03 a.m