Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe and Gov. Bob McDonnell chat in Richmond. Photo by: KJ Mushung

By: Mohammed Jamal
Thoughts Editor

With the Virginia gubernatorial election finally over, there are no more annoying television advertisements bashing one candidate over another. No more stump speeches outlining what each candidate would accomplish if elected as governor. The Commonwealth of Virginia chose to elect Terry McAuliffe over Ken Cuccinelli.

Although it was a narrow margin, it was still a huge victory for the Democratic Party. In the last two presidential races, Virginia was a swing state and in each election cycle it favored the Democrats over the Republicans. The Grand Old Party can learn a lot from their defeats in 2008 and 2012. Furthermore, they can know which issue caused them to lose the gubernatorial election in Virginia. It was the government shutdown instigated by the Republicans in the House of Representatives. They wanted to defer the provisions of Obamacare for one year but were not successful so they decided to hold the government hostage. This decision affected Northern Virginia significantly since many of its civilians work in the public sector. As a result, Virginians saw the Democrats as the “lesser of two evils.” This is a testament of the political shift in future elections to come.

The Republicans need to understand this simple fact: America’s electorate does not predominantly consist of the white male voter anymore. Its demographics are ever-changing. Every day, people from all corners of the world migrate to the United States to pursue the abundant opportunities available here. In turn, once they gain their citizenship, they practice their right to vote. They support politicians who reflect their diverse and open-minded beliefs. People born in this country are also starting to advocate a progressive course of action as the right direction for the United States to take.

Americans are more likely to side with a political party when their interests and concerns are taken in consideration. This is why the Democrats have won recent state and national elections and will continue to be triumphant if they stick to this strategy.

The GOP can learn a lot from the Democrats. If they want to have a footing in American politics, then they better start listening to their constituents and reciprocate it in their policies. If they carry out their same old agenda, then this much is certain, it will be the death of a political party.

By: NOVA Fortnightly Staff

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