Editor’s Note: This article reflects the opinion of the author.
If you missed the Virginia governor debate, don’t worry — we can sum it up in one sentence: Winsome Earle-Sears showed leadership, and Abigail Spanberger showed how to dodge a question like she’s training for an Olympic event. From the very first moment, Earle-Sears came in like a Marine on a mission — clear, composed, and unafraid to speak the truth. Spanberger, meanwhile, seemed allergic to straight answers. Every time the moderators tossed her a question, she responded with something so vague it could’ve been written by ChatGPT on “safe mode.”
The Jay Jones Scandal — and the Deafening Silence
Earle-Sears didn’t waste a second calling out Spanberger for refusing to denounce her own party’s scandal. The issue? Attorney General candidate Jay Jones — the same guy who reportedly sent violent text messages years ago fantasizing about “putting two bullets” in a Republican lawmaker’s head. Now, you’d think any candidate serious about integrity would call for him to step aside. But not Spanberger. She condemned the “tone” but wouldn’t pull her endorsement. When pressed again and again — “Do you still support him?” — she hid behind the phrase “it’s up to the voters.” Translation: “I’m hoping this blows over.”
Here’s the problem — if a Republican had even joked about something like that, every cable news chyron in America would still be flashing “threat to democracy.” But when it’s one of their own, suddenly it’s a “learning moment.” It’s the kind of double standard that’s turned ordinary voters into skeptics. Americans don’t want moral lectures from a party that can’t even hold its own accountable.
The Locker Room Moment That Defined the Debate
Then came the issue that really separated the two — the question of biological boys in girls’ sports and locker rooms. The moderators asked Spanberger point-blank: “Should transgender girls — biological males — be allowed in girls’ locker rooms and sports?” What followed could only be described as a verbal escape act. She talked about “local communities,” “educators,” and “parents” — everything except the question itself.
Meanwhile, Earle-Sears stood firm and said what millions of parents across Virginia are thinking: “No men in girls’ locker rooms. That’s what this is about.” That line landed like a thunderclap. Spanberger’s reaction? More hedging. More talking points. More of the same D.C. double-speak that treats common sense like a political liability.
Here’s the truth: this isn’t about discrimination — it’s about safety, privacy, and fairness. Girls deserve their own spaces, period. When leaders can’t even say that out loud, it’s not “inclusivity.” It’s cowardice dressed up as compassion.
Leadership Means Picking a Side
Earle-Sears didn’t just win the debate — she defined the contrast between principle and politics. She spoke directly, from conviction, while Spanberger bobbed and weaved like she was auditioning for a White House press briefing. The Democrat candidate tried to sound moderate, but there’s nothing moderate about refusing to protect children’s privacy or refusing to condemn violent rhetoric from your own party.
This race is about more than votes — it’s about trust. Virginians are tired of leaders who say one thing at home and another on the campaign trail. Winsome Earle-Sears may not be polished by Beltway standards, but that’s exactly what makes her authentic. She says what she means, and she means what she says — something that’s been in short supply in Richmond lately.
The Choice Ahead
The Virginia governor debate made one thing clear: the state faces a choice between conviction and confusion. Earle-Sears offered a vision rooted in parental rights, safety, and personal responsibility. Spanberger offered political evasions, talking points, and a campaign built on hoping voters aren’t paying attention.
With polls showing her opponent leading by single digits, Earle-Sears now has momentum — and more importantly, the message that resonates with families across the Commonwealth. In the end, this election won’t be decided by pundits or headlines. It’ll be decided by parents who are tired of being ignored and by voters who still believe that courage counts.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
Find more articles like this at SteadfastAndLoyal.com.
We welcome open discussion and thoughtful opinions — even strong disagreements — but comments containing profanity, personal attacks, or hate speech will be removed. Keep it civil, keep it smart, and keep it focused on the ideas.
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
Leave a Comment