President Donald Trump recently commended Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears while also taking a jab at her Democratic opponent, Abigail Spanberger. Trump made a humorous reference to Spanberger by comparing her to SpongeBob SquarePants, implying that she doesn’t fit the Republican mold.
During a conversation aboard Air Force One, Trump appeared to be impressed by Sears’ performance in the debates, criticizing Spanberger’s reluctance to call for the removal of Jay Jones, the attorney general nominee embroiled in controversy after he speculated about the murder of a former Republican leader.
“I think the Republican candidate is very good, and the Democratic candidate is a disaster, so she should win,” Trump stated.
He added that while he has affection for Virginia, he thinks the Republican candidates are strong but finds the Democratic candidates lacking.
Trump pointed out that both Spanberger and another Democrat, Rep. Mikie Sherrill from New Jersey, have expressed that a Democratic candidate could negatively impact the U.S. energy policy, warning, “Both Democrats will push energy prices through the roof.”
Rather than offering his typical enthusiastic endorsement, Trump seemed more reserved, noting that he supports the Republican candidates while also reflecting on the political climate.
In contrast, former President Barack Obama has formally endorsed Spanberger, stating that the upcoming Virginia election is critical. He remarked, “I am proud to support Abigail Spanberger for governor. Republican policies raise costs for working families and allow billionaires to receive massive tax cuts,” sentiments echoed by many Congressional Democrats.
The Sears campaign has responded by framing Obama’s endorsement as a sign of fear from Spanberger, claiming it suggests that she’s losing support in Virginia and is relying on ‘liberal elites’ to rescue her campaign. The Press Secretary called this a desperate move, implying that Winsome R. Sears is gaining momentum instead.
On another note, Spanberger is gaining additional support from figures like Bill Nye, who criticized Trump in a recent speech and plans to rally with the Virginia Democratic Party in Charlottesville.
When asked about Nye representing the Democratic Party, the White House press secretary had a witty remark, pointing to Nye’s liberal activism.
