MCLEAN, VIRGINIA – Terry McAuliffe’s recent $8 million fundraising haul for President Joe Biden this week may seem like a significant achievement on the surface. However, it underscores a much deeper issue within the Democratic Party. The alignment of President Biden with figures like McAuliffe highlights a disconnect from the core values that many Americans hold dear.
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McAuliffe’s reputation is marred by a series of failures and controversies that make his fundraising prowess less impressive. His ability to raise large sums of money doesn’t translate to effective leadership or genuine support among the electorate. This was evident in the 2021 gubernatorial race where McAuliffe, despite his extensive political experience and fundraising capabilities, was soundly defeated by Glenn Youngkin.
The recent fundraiser, which raised $8 million, should be viewed in the context of past fundraising efforts in Virginia. In 2020, Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden, saw unprecedented fundraising success across the state, with Biden raising $29 million in Virginia alone, buoyed by anti-Trump sentiment and a surge in Democratic activism. Similarly, in 2016, Hillary Clinton’s campaign also saw significant fundraising success, raising approximately $22 million in Virginia. The drastic comparison between the $8 million raised in 2024 and the much higher amounts raised in 2016 and 2020 suggests a softening of Democratic support in Virginia. This trend makes it evident that Virginia is transitioning into a swing state, a point I have recently discussed on The Don’t Unfriend Me Show, weeknights at 7 pm Eastern.
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The consistent ability to raise funds is not new for McAuliffe. His fundraising skills were honed over years of political maneuvering and leveraging his extensive network. However, money alone does not win elections or foster trust among voters. McAuliffe’s political career is riddled with examples of why his fundraising prowess falls short of translating into effective leadership.
The GreenTech Automotive scandal is a prime example. McAuliffe’s electric car company promised job creation but instead became a symbol of mismanagement and failed promises. Federal investigations into the company’s use of the EB-5 visa program further damaged his credibility. This scandal underscored McAuliffe’s inability to deliver on ambitious promises, casting a long shadow over his political career.
As governor, McAuliffe’s decision to restore voting rights to over 200,000 felons through an executive order was seen by many as a political stunt. The Virginia Supreme Court struck down the order, criticizing McAuliffe for bypassing the legislative process. This move highlighted his tendency to prioritize political gain over effective governance.
One of the most contentious issues during his tenure was his support for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Despite strong opposition from environmental groups and local communities, McAuliffe backed the project, raising questions about his commitment to environmental stewardship and local interests. This decision alienated a significant portion of his base, who felt betrayed by his actions.
McAuliffe’s handling of the Charlottesville rally in 2017 further exemplifies his leadership failures. The Unite the Right rally ended in tragedy, and McAuliffe’s administration was criticized for its lack of preparedness and inadequate response. Many believed that better planning and stronger enforcement could have prevented the violence, further tarnishing his record as governor.
In the 2021 gubernatorial race, McAuliffe’s campaign was marred by missteps, including his controversial statement on parental involvement in education. His suggestion that parents should have less say in what schools teach their children struck a nerve with many Virginians. This miscalculation, combined with his tarnished record, led to a decisive defeat at the hands of Glenn Youngkin.
Youngkin’s victory was a clear repudiation of McAuliffe’s leadership and policies. It signaled a shift in Virginia’s political landscape, moving from a solidly blue state to a more competitive purple one. This shift reflects broader dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s leadership, embodied by figures like McAuliffe and former Governor Ralph Northam. Northam’s support for late-term abortion, even after a baby is born, shocked many. His infamous quote, “If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother,” sparked outrage and further distanced voters from the Democratic leadership.
President Joe Biden’s alignment with McAuliffe and similar figures raises serious questions about the direction of the Democratic Party. By associating with politicians who have repeatedly demonstrated a disconnect from the values and concerns of everyday Americans, Biden risks further alienating key voter demographics. The recent fundraiser, while financially successful, symbolizes a deeper issue: a party leadership that is out of touch with the needs and aspirations of its constituents.
President Joe Biden speaks with Terry McAuliffe, then a Democratic candidate for governor in Virginia, at a campaign event in Arlington, Va, in 2021. Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
McAuliffe, who was involved in a business deal with Hillary Clinton’s brother Tony Rodham to seek foreign investors for an electric car venture, insisted his contacts with then-U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas between 2011 and 2013 were intended solely to prod officials to make decisions on long-pending petitions in a program that grants green cards to wealthy foreigners who help create U.S. jobs.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin gestures as he speaks to supporters during a rally in Chesterfield, Va., on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021. STEVE HELBER/AP
An inquiry commissioned by Eastern Virginia Medical School ended without determining the identity of the men in a racist photograph displayed on a yearbook page of Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia.
Biden’s administration, heavily influenced by figures like McAuliffe, seems to be clinging to a political strategy that has repeatedly failed to resonate with a significant portion of the electorate. The reliance on established political operatives with a history of controversies and failures undermines the party’s credibility and effectiveness.
The Democratic Party’s strategy of relying on fundraising moguls like McAuliffe, who embody the political establishment, is increasingly at odds with a growing desire for genuine, effective leadership. McAuliffe’s ability to raise large sums of money does not compensate for his record of failures and missteps. As Virginia continues to shift politically, the success of candidates like Youngkin demonstrates that voters are seeking new leadership that aligns with their values and priorities.
President Biden’s association with McAuliffe and similar figures does not bode well for the future of the Democratic Party. As the state of Virginia turns from blue to purple, it serves as a bellwether for broader political trends. The failures of leaders like McAuliffe highlight the urgent need for the Democratic Party to reconnect with the core values that define America and to champion leaders who truly understand and represent the interests of their constituents.
“The Don’t Unfriend Me Show” explores a broad range of political themes, from satire to serious topics, with Matt Speer, a Navy Intel veteran, husband, and father, leading the show. Matt shares his views to stimulate constructive discussions. The show aims to provide a balanced perspective on complex issues, welcoming participants of all political affiliations to share their unique viewpoints.
Must be a lot of freeloaders and felons in VA. on top of all their control freaks. So glad we did not move there.
THIS UNCONSCIOUS “STAND-UP SLEEPER” IS A TOTAL LOSER. HE IS TOTALLY UNAWARE OF HIS SURROUNDINGS, AND WHERE HE IS, AND WHERE HE HAS TO GO NEXT. HE NEEDS TO BE GUIDED EVERYWHERE BY SOMEONE THAT IS PROBABLY AS NUTTY AS HE IS. (WHAT ACTUAL SMART PERSON WOULD WANT TO BE NEAR HIM ANYWAY??)