3 days Ago
Many Americans, including plenty in Hampton Roads, are feeling anxious and uncertain as a result of the Trump administration’s slashing of the federal workforce, its handling of the economy, its deportations without due process and its approach to foreign policy. They have questions at a time when answers are in short supply. This is a time for leadership and communication, both from those who serve in elected office and those who aspire to do so.
As protests mount, it’s incumbent on our officials to explain their support for President Donald Trump’s policies or to outline in clear terms how they would oppose them. On Saturday, area residents angered and outraged about the Trump administration’s first two months plan to gather in downtown Norfolk as part of rallies happening across the country to mobilize opposition to the president. Democrats and those disaffected by the White House believe their energy can translate into electoral wins and a concerted effort to rein in Trump’s lawlessness.
A similar movement on the right emerged following the 2008 election of President Barack Obama. Activists organized the tea party into a potent political force from which the seeds of Trump’s eventual win were planted. At the time, Democratic office holders faced rabid crowds challenging their votes on programs such as the Affordable Care Act.
Some declined to meet with constituents, abdicating their responsibility as public officials to be accountable to the public they serve. Republicans channeled that energy into the 2010 elections, taking control of the House and flipping seven seats in the Senate. Republicans now find themselves on the other side of things.
GOP leaders in the House have advised members to avoid town halls for fear of facing constituents’ wrath. Among those who have avoided in-person events are Reps. Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans, Republicans representing Virginia’s 1st and 2nd districts respectively.
While they have met with hand-picked groups and held online forums, that’s insufficient for this moment. The Trump administration has caused considerable chaos throughout the region and the commonwealth. If Wittman and Kiggans believe those actions are in their constituents’ best interests, they should be proud to say so and try to soothe constituents’ very real fears for the future.
Rep. Bobby Scott, representing the 3rd District, has done the reverse, attending a number of events throughout Hampton Roads alongside Democrats in the General Assembly and local office holders. His engagement has helped area residents understand what’s going on in Washington and how the minority party intends to respond.
It’s possible that the simmering anger evident in Virginia may peter out before congressional elections next year, but commonwealth voters head to the polls in two months for the primary election and five months later for a general election to select a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. As one of the few states with off-year elections, the commonwealth’s results will be scrutinized as a referendum on the Trump administration’s actions. Sign up for Viewpoints, an opinion newsletter While voters should be focused on Virginia’s future, the commonwealth has one of the largest populations of federal workers and is heavily reliant on spending from Washington.
So actions that disrupt either, such as those this White House has taken, have an outsized role in our state’s discourse. That opens the door for statewide candidates and those seeking to serve in the legislature to speak out and to provide clear direction for how the commonwealth should respond. It’s not enough to support or oppose the administration; Virginia will need a firm plan of action from those who desire to lead at a time of turmoil and uncertainty.
Again, this is a moment for leaders to emerge. It is a time when communication is essential. There is no more business as usual, either on the campaign trail or while serving in office.
The people are asking more of their public servants, and it’s time those servants step up or step aside..
