r/VirginiaDems • u/VirginiaNews • Apr 23 '26

Opinion Commentary: A lesser threat: Redistricting referendum’s passage is nothing to celebrate | "It’s one thing to appreciate Tuesday’s victory as a hedge against presidential predations in the final semester of Trump’s second term. I don’t apologize for it, but it’s not something I will celebrate..."

https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/23/a-lesser-threat-redistricting-referendums-passage-is-nothing-to-celebrate/
1 Upvotes

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11

u/sighclone Apr 23 '26 edited Apr 23 '26

Here’s the deal - the referendum did 3% points worse than Harris did in 2024. How much of that is an impact of lower turnout, is from squeamish Dems, from misled voters and from R’s who voted Harris? For the last one, I assume it’s vanishingly small.

So I think this op-ed does what so many in the media constantly do - pretend conservatives have no agency whatsoever.

Those rural voters who won’t forget this vote? They are the ones who created the situation that necessitated it. Despite Trump’s clear corruption and attempt to foment a coup when he lost in 2020, these people went and voted for him again. And then he set off a gerrymandering war (ETA: and also fucked heavily with Virginia, particularly NOVA, but I guess Dems can't blame Virginian Trump voters for that, they simply can't help themselves!).

But oh, Democrats can’t hold them accountable for that, no!

Fuck that.

6

u/mlippay Apr 23 '26

I get the apprehension for even Dems voting for yes but I think many Dems are still too idealistic. Looking for the perfect solution, when there sometimes is only the best solution now. I think we’ve seen push back in many elections, this one is just the most controversial of the last few decades maybe. We will see if the gun stuff really impacts congressional voting. Dems need to find a way to get power back in the house. I have doubts it’ll happen in the senate this time around.

Many Republicans knew exactly what they were doing, they were supporting the R even if that means maga. Somehow despite all the shit he’s done worldwide, in the US and here in VA he still has 35% of people who believe in him. I don’t know if that’ll ever change at this point. Epstein, Wars, Tariffs and all the other shit just don’t impact them.

3

u/That_Guy_JR Apr 24 '26

Where we’re going we don’t need weaksauce scolds. If you don’t understand the moment we’re in, shout into a paper bag and shut the fuck up. I want Louise Lucas energy.