Virginia Race Is Test for Both Parties

New York Times: “Terry McAuliffe’s strategy of relentlessly linking his Republican rival, Glenn Youngkin, to Donald Trump represents the best test yet of how much of a drag the former president still exerts on his party in blue and purple states. At the same time, Mr. Youngkin’s fancy footwork regarding Mr. Trump — avoiding his embrace without alienating him or his base — and his attacks on Mr. McAuliffe over the role of parents in schools will indicate if GOP candidates can sidestep Trumpism by drawing attention to what they argue is Democratic extremism on issues of race and gender.”

“Far from such old standbys of statewide races as property taxes and teacher pay, the issues in Virginia reflect the country’s canyonlike polarization and what each party portrays as the dire threat posed by the other.”

Dan Balz: “On this final weekend, many Democrats remain nervous. The most positive are at best cautiously optimistic. Their hope is that a state that has been trending Democratic for a decade will provide enough underlying momentum for McAuliffe to fend off Youngkin’s challenge.”