With just two more days of early voting, and with the special election in just 4 1/2 days, see below for video and highlights from tonight’s Yes for Virginia Live rally, featuring Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Sen. Mark Warner, former AG Eric Holder, VA Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, VA Speaker Don Scott, Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA04), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA03), Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA07), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08), Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA11), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA10), and many others.
- Sen. Mark Warner says we have an administration that’s “gone totally rogue” and “Americans are paying the price.” In 2022, Donald Trump stole three seats in NC, without much attention, and could have made Hakeem Jeffries the Speaker (plus avoided the Big Ugly Bill passing). Democrats have always supported nonpartisan redistricting, but not when Republicans cheat – we’re changing the rules because Republicans cheated. Says he’s given up on Republicans until they come back to sanity and a legitimate Republican Party, pretty much, and that for now we just need to focus on “kick[ing] their ass.”
- Eric Holder rips the racist, dishonest, deeply cynical campaign being run by the NO people – Republicans’ highest priority is serving the interests of Donald Trump. We have a chance to retake the US House – they don’t think they can win a fair fight, so now it’s time for Virginians to fight back (a “temporary measure for an extraordinary moment”; what happens in Virginia will change the course of the country).
- Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA10) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA03): Rep. Subramanyam says when Congress attacks democracy, everyday people feel it first and the worst; “we need to put the people first.” Rep. Scott said Democrats need to be in the majority to have a subpoena power and get questions answered; also, African American are losing a lot under Republicans. Rep. Subramanyam says Democrats need to fight back and not act like these are normal times, because they ARE NOT – we will not roll over when they break the rules. Rep. Scott says we’re leveling the playing field, pushing back hard against Republicans – and we’re going to win this election because people know what’s at stake can can’t let Republicans keep stealing seats. Rep. Subramanyam says that Republicans have betrayed all their principles, and even many Republicans don’t like it. Rep. Scott says we can’t allow Republicans add to their totals by stealing seats, without being able to catch up to them. Rep. Subramanyam says everything’s on the line in next Tuesday’s vote; this could, effectively, determine control of the U.S. House this November – YES means a check on Donald Trump. Rep. Scott says it shows how weak the opposition is that they have to resort to lies, and that most people are’t confused, they’re offended and can’t wait to vote.
- Gov. Abigail Spanberger says this all began with Trump saying he was “entitled” to extra seats in Congress. So Virginia is responding. Now, everyone needs to vote YES. None of us want to have to be in this place, but the fact is we have a president trying to grab power. Says she’s expecting huge numbers of voters on Election Day. The “NO” campaign has dishonestly used her face and President Obama’s face in their ads. If voters approve these maps, they’ll be in place until after the next Census, after which we’ll return to the bipartisan commission. Despite all the efforts to trick voters, make sure voters know the truth and vote YES.
- Politics Girl says this is about stopping a Donald Trump power grab, that he’s not “entitled” to anything. This is a way to level the playing field for a limited time. There’s lots of misinformation out there, unfortunately, funded by Peter Thiel. It’s time to take our power back. Thanks Virginia for being brave and doing what we’re doing. Trump is behaving like someone who never intends to leave office.
- Bryan Tyler Cohen kicks it off, says we need to keep momentum going and remind everyone to vote YES tomorrow, Saturday or Tuesday. Go to IWillVote.com/va to find your polling place.
