Ralph Northam yearbook page shows men in blackface and KKK robe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

He apologized. It was 35 years ago. Let him continue. If anything, he will be more sensitive to racial issues going forward.


+1

it's insane that he should resign over a picture from 35 years ago.


Especially with pussy grabber in chief still in office!


+3

Northam has NOTHING to apologize for.


YOU are condoning racism here.

And the post you "+3" 'd is pure whataboutism.

Defending a KKK costume?? WTF is wrong with you people???!?


1) he wasn't in the costume

2) he isn't in blackface

3) he didn't select the photos or create the page

4) he wasn't even aware of it this whole time

5) it was 35 years ago. THIRTY FIVE YEARS! He was only a kid basically

6) he apologized

7) he has been a faithful Progressive voice and women's health advocate

8) he is an elected Democrat in a high office

9) it is entirely possible that this photo may not be genuine, or may be part of an organized smear campaign by vindictive right wing pro-birthers, in retaliation for his affirmation of women's rights.





So yes, based on those points, Northam is certainly worth defending. It infuriates me to see other fairweather friend politicos in the party all dogpiling on him like this. Loyalty is NOT an outmoded concept, people.

If every Democrat castigating him over the last two days had simply shrugged and said "that was 35 years ago, it's irrelevant" when asked about it, this would be over and forgotten about now. But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure).

Times like this make me disgusted and ashamed to be a Democrat. Because it reminds me that our party has no internal unity. No loyalty. We will eat our own at the drop of a hat. We will NEVER defend our own people if there's the slightest personal advantage to be had in turning on them. It's sad. Sad and pathetic.

"But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure)."

That's some pretty big conjecture there. Northam is not "highly electable" for president by any stretch of the imagination. Even before this happened. He was primaried here in Virginia and his opponent did very well. It was no runaway.

Two of the last three Democratic presidents have been southern Democrats. It's certainly a reliable leadership track.

[Anonymous]

Why did he apologize if in fact he wasn’t in this picture and wasn’t aware of it (the latter price seems really far fetched, but okay).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why did he apologize if in fact he wasn’t in this picture and wasn’t aware of it (the latter price seems really far fetched, but okay).

^piece not price

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
^ Democrat here. I held my nose and voted for him. Same as Hillary. He is not electable. The Ds had nothing to fear from him. He's a good old boy through and through.

To a cynical Progressive in northern Virginia, like you, yes.

But what about to a low information/stupid blue collar white voter in TN, OH, GA, TX or anywhere else in flyover country? He's exactly the kind of candidate who does well with them. The people that normally reflexively vote republican because when think "Democrat" they're thinking "Hillary" or "Bernie" or some other Progressive. But Northam could've resonated with them.

[Anonymous]

Northam’s wife seems to be more intelligent and have more common sense than he does, judging from the presser.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

He apologized. It was 35 years ago. Let him continue. If anything, he will be more sensitive to racial issues going forward.


+1

it's insane that he should resign over a picture from 35 years ago.


Especially with pussy grabber in chief still in office!


+3

Northam has NOTHING to apologize for.


YOU are condoning racism here.

And the post you "+3" 'd is pure whataboutism.

Defending a KKK costume?? WTF is wrong with you people???!?


1) he wasn't in the costume

2) he isn't in blackface

3) he didn't select the photos or create the page

4) he wasn't even aware of it this whole time

5) it was 35 years ago. THIRTY FIVE YEARS! He was only a kid basically

6) he apologized

7) he has been a faithful Progressive voice and women's health advocate

8) he is an elected Democrat in a high office

9) it is entirely possible that this photo may not be genuine, or may be part of an organized smear campaign by vindictive right wing pro-birthers, in retaliation for his affirmation of women's rights.





So yes, based on those points, Northam is certainly worth defending. It infuriates me to see other fairweather friend politicos in the party all dogpiling on him like this. Loyalty is NOT an outmoded concept, people.

If every Democrat castigating him over the last two days had simply shrugged and said "that was 35 years ago, it's irrelevant" when asked about it, this would be over and forgotten about now. But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure).

Times like this make me disgusted and ashamed to be a Democrat. Because it reminds me that our party has no internal unity. No loyalty. We will eat our own at the drop of a hat. We will NEVER defend our own people if there's the slightest personal advantage to be had in turning on them. It's sad. Sad and pathetic.





"But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure)."

That's some pretty big conjecture there. Northam is not "highly electable" for president by any stretch of the imagination. Even before this happened. He was primaried here in Virginia and his opponent did very well. It was no runaway.







Two of the last three Democratic presidents have been southern Democrats. It's certainly a reliable leadership track

Hahahaha. Did you learn anything from the last election?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
^ Democrat here. I held my nose and voted for him. Same as Hillary. He is not electable. The Ds had nothing to fear from him. He's a good old boy through and through.

To a cynical Progressive in northern Virginia, like you, yes.

But what about to a low information/stupid blue collar white voter in TN, OH, GA, TX or anywhere else in flyover country? He's exactly the kind of candidate who does well with them. The people that normally reflexively vote republican because when think "Democrat" they're thinking "Hillary" or "Bernie" or some other Progressive. But Northam could've resonated with them.

That's ok, there're plenty of other southern Democrats, like Gillum, that can resonate with them without that baggage.

[Anonymous]

Here is a list of the potential Democratic candidates so far. Not seeing a whole lot of "reliable" Southerners here (and McAuliffe is not a real Southerner) . . .

Senators
Cory Booker of New Jersey
Sherrod Brown of Ohio
Kamala Harris of California
Kirsten Gillibrand of New York
Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
Jeff Merkley of Oregon
Bernie Sanders of Vermont
Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts
Representatives
John Delaney of Maryland (declared)
Beto O'Rourke of Texas
Eric Swallwell of California
Governors
Steve Bullock of Montana
John Hickenlooper of Colorado
Jay Inslee of Washington
Terry McAuliffe of Virginia (former)
Deval Patrick of Massachuetts (former)
Others
Former Vice President Joe Biden
Businessman and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York City
Attorney Michael Avenatti
Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles
State Sen. Richard Ojeda of West Virginia (declared)
Activist and philanthropist Tom Steyer

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
He apologized. It was 35 years ago. Let him continue. If anything, he will be more sensitive to racial issues going forward.

+1

it's insane that he should resign over a picture from 35 years ago.

Especially with pussy grabber in chief still in office!

+3

Northam has NOTHING to apologize for.

YOU are condoning racism here.

And the post you "+3" 'd is pure whataboutism.

Defending a KKK costume?? WTF is wrong with you people???!?

1) he wasn't in the costume

2) he isn't in blackface

3) he didn't select the photos or create the page

4) he wasn't even aware of it this whole time

5) it was 35 years ago. THIRTY FIVE YEARS! He was only a kid basically

6) he apologized

7) he has been a faithful Progressive voice and women's health advocate

8) he is an elected Democrat in a high office

9) it is entirely possible that this photo may not be genuine, or may be part of an organized smear campaign by vindictive right wing pro-birthers, in retaliation for his affirmation of women's rights.





So yes, based on those points, Northam is certainly worth defending. It infuriates me to see other fairweather friend politicos in the party all dogpiling on him like this. Loyalty is NOT an outmoded concept, people.

If every Democrat castigating him over the last two days had simply shrugged and said "that was 35 years ago, it's irrelevant" when asked about it, this would be over and forgotten about now. But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure).

Times like this make me disgusted and ashamed to be a Democrat. Because it reminds me that our party has no internal unity. No loyalty. We will eat our own at the drop of a hat. We will NEVER defend our own people if there's the slightest personal advantage to be had in turning on them. It's sad. Sad and pathetic.

NP. I don’t want my party to be associated with people like you. GROSS.

Well given that you're probably a republican, it's highly unlikely you will ever be associated with me. Now go back to shopping for Tiki torches.

Yawn. Here's a small sample of the Democrats unequivocally condemning Northam and who have publicly called for his resignation:
Joe Biden
Nancy Pelosi
Hillary Clinton
Tim Kaine
Mark Warner
Terry McAuliffe
Mark Herring (VA Attorney General)
Bobby Scott
Danica Roem
Tom Perez (DNC Chair)
Eric Holder
L Douglas Wilder (first AA Governor of VA)
Roy Cooper (NC Governor)
JB Pritzker (IL Govenor)
Gina Raimondo (RI Governor, Chair of Democratic Governor's Association)
Phil Murphy (NJ Governor, Chair-Elect of DGA)
Ted Lieu
Sherrod Brown
Kamala Harris
Julian Castro
Elizabeth Warren
Cory Booker
Kirsten Gillibrand
Bernie Sanders
John Delaney
Amy Klobuchar
Jeff Merkley
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Kathy Tran
Reverend Al Sharpton
Elaine Luria, VA-02
Donald McEachin, VA-04
Abigail Spanberger, VA-07
Don Beyer, VA-08
Jennifer Wexton, VA-10
Gerry Connolly, VA-11
Illhan Omar
NAACP
Democratic Party of VA
VA State Senate Democrats
VA State House Democrats
VA Legislative Black Caucus
Planned Parenthood

Again, at this point, if you're defending Ralph and consider yourself a Democrat...you should probably take a long look at yourself. You clearly don't understand the party and its principles. Calling yourself a Democrat or fancying yourself a liberal/progressive doesn’t mean you’re exempt from racism. If you are white and not actively working against racism, you are probably upholding it in some way (see: those defending Northam) and I don't think there should be any place for you in the party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
^ Democrat here. I held my nose and voted for him. Same as Hillary. He is not electable. The Ds had nothing to fear from him. He's a good old boy through and through.

To a cynical Progressive in northern Virginia, like you, yes.

But what about to a low information/stupid blue collar white voter in TN, OH, GA, TX or anywhere else in flyover country? He's exactly the kind of candidate who does well with them. The people that normally reflexively vote republican because when think "Democrat" they're thinking "Hillary" or "Bernie" or some other Progressive. But Northam could've resonated with them.

This can't be a real post. There's not someone out there who is this dumb, and so ignorant of basic voting patterns. Right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
^ Democrat here. I held my nose and voted for him. Same as Hillary. He is not electable. The Ds had nothing to fear from him. He's a good old boy through and through.

To a cynical Progressive in northern Virginia, like you, yes.

But what about to a low information/stupid blue collar white voter in TN, OH, GA, TX or anywhere else in flyover country? He's exactly the kind of candidate who does well with them. The people that normally reflexively vote republican because when think "Democrat" they're thinking "Hillary" or "Bernie" or some other Progressive. But Northam could've resonated with them.

Ralph Northam lost whites in Virginia by 15 points. White men by 27 points, and white women by 3. He lost white non-college graduates by 46 points, white men no college by 54 points, white women no college by 35 points, and white men with college by 8. If he has those numbers in VIRGINIA, you really think he's going to make up for 20-50 points in Georgia or Texas? Oh, honey...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

He apologized. It was 35 years ago. Let him continue. If anything, he will be more sensitive to racial issues going forward.


+1

it's insane that he should resign over a picture from 35 years ago.


Especially with pussy grabber in chief still in office!


+3

Northam has NOTHING to apologize for.


YOU are condoning racism here.

And the post you "+3" 'd is pure whataboutism.

Defending a KKK costume?? WTF is wrong with you people???!?


1) he wasn't in the costume

2) he isn't in blackface

3) he didn't select the photos or create the page

4) he wasn't even aware of it this whole time

5) it was 35 years ago. THIRTY FIVE YEARS! He was only a kid basically

6) he apologized

7) he has been a faithful Progressive voice and women's health advocate

8) he is an elected Democrat in a high office

9) it is entirely possible that this photo may not be genuine, or may be part of an organized smear campaign by vindictive right wing pro-birthers, in retaliation for his affirmation of women's rights.





So yes, based on those points, Northam is certainly worth defending. It infuriates me to see other fairweather friend politicos in the party all dogpiling on him like this. Loyalty is NOT an outmoded concept, people.

If every Democrat castigating him over the last two days had simply shrugged and said "that was 35 years ago, it's irrelevant" when asked about it, this would be over and forgotten about now. But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure).

Times like this make me disgusted and ashamed to be a Democrat. Because it reminds me that our party has no internal unity. No loyalty. We will eat our own at the drop of a hat. We will NEVER defend our own people if there's the slightest personal advantage to be had in turning on them. It's sad. Sad and pathetic.

"But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure)."

That's some pretty big conjecture there. Northam is not "highly electable" for president by any stretch of the imagination. Even before this happened. He was primaried here in Virginia and his opponent did very well. It was no runaway.

Two of the last three Democratic presidents have been southern Democrats. It's certainly a reliable leadership track.

In freaking 1977 and 1992/1996...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

He apologized. It was 35 years ago. Let him continue. If anything, he will be more sensitive to racial issues going forward.


+1

it's insane that he should resign over a picture from 35 years ago.


Especially with pussy grabber in chief still in office!


+3

Northam has NOTHING to apologize for.


YOU are condoning racism here.

And the post you "+3" 'd is pure whataboutism.

Defending a KKK costume?? WTF is wrong with you people???!?


1) he wasn't in the costume

2) he isn't in blackface

3) he didn't select the photos or create the page

4) he wasn't even aware of it this whole time

5) it was 35 years ago. THIRTY FIVE YEARS! He was only a kid basically

6) he apologized

7) he has been a faithful Progressive voice and women's health advocate

8) he is an elected Democrat in a high office

9) it is entirely possible that this photo may not be genuine, or may be part of an organized smear campaign by vindictive right wing pro-birthers, in retaliation for his affirmation of women's rights.





So yes, based on those points, Northam is certainly worth defending. It infuriates me to see other fairweather friend politicos in the party all dogpiling on him like this. Loyalty is NOT an outmoded concept, people.

If every Democrat castigating him over the last two days had simply shrugged and said "that was 35 years ago, it's irrelevant" when asked about it, this would be over and forgotten about now. But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure).

Times like this make me disgusted and ashamed to be a Democrat. Because it reminds me that our party has no internal unity. No loyalty. We will eat our own at the drop of a hat. We will NEVER defend our own people if there's the slightest personal advantage to be had in turning on them. It's sad. Sad and pathetic.

"But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure)."

That's some pretty big conjecture there. Northam is not "highly electable" for president by any stretch of the imagination. Even before this happened. He was primaried here in Virginia and his opponent did very well. It was no runaway.

Two of the last three Democratic presidents have been southern Democrats. It's certainly a reliable leadership track.

In freaking 1977 and 1992/1996...

Yup. Those voters are gone, and it would be a fool’s errand for the Dems to go chasing after them. They need to appeal to those voters who didn’t
turn out for Hillary, rather than trying to win back the racists with a “Southern Strategy.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
He apologized. It was 35 years ago. Let him continue. If anything, he will be more sensitive to racial issues going forward.

+1

it's insane that he should resign over a picture from 35 years ago.

Especially with pussy grabber in chief still in office!

+3

Northam has NOTHING to apologize for.

YOU are condoning racism here.

And the post you "+3" 'd is pure whataboutism.

Defending a KKK costume?? WTF is wrong with you people???!?

1) he wasn't in the costume

2) he isn't in blackface

3) he didn't select the photos or create the page

4) he wasn't even aware of it this whole time

5) it was 35 years ago. THIRTY FIVE YEARS! He was only a kid basically

6) he apologized

7) he has been a faithful Progressive voice and women's health advocate

8) he is an elected Democrat in a high office

9) it is entirely possible that this photo may not be genuine, or may be part of an organized smear campaign by vindictive right wing pro-birthers, in retaliation for his affirmation of women's rights.





So yes, based on those points, Northam is certainly worth defending. It infuriates me to see other fairweather friend politicos in the party all dogpiling on him like this. Loyalty is NOT an outmoded concept, people.

If every Democrat castigating him over the last two days had simply shrugged and said "that was 35 years ago, it's irrelevant" when asked about it, this would be over and forgotten about now. But they have to make use of any opportunity for media buzz, so they run their mouths at the expense of one of our best and brightest. Southern governors make highly electable presidential candidates. Northam would've easily won. We just threw away a potential president (something that DID occur to other Dems interested in running, I'm sure).

Times like this make me disgusted and ashamed to be a Democrat. Because it reminds me that our party has no internal unity. No loyalty. We will eat our own at the drop of a hat. We will NEVER defend our own people if there's the slightest personal advantage to be had in turning on them. It's sad. Sad and pathetic.

Wow. There is so much here that is.... disturbing.
You are basically saying, "Party over everything." The fact that he is a "faithful progressive voice" and an "elected Democrat in a high office" are some of the criteria on which others should base their support. Screw his behavior. Screw his mishandling of this whole scandal and his inability to be honest with Americans. Even if it wasn't him in this photo - can you really say that he managed this whole fiasco professionally and with grace?
"Northam would have easily won." In what fantasy world are you living? Because his is a "southern governor?"

You seem to have serious issues with how you choose your elected officials, pp.

[Anonymous]

Ralph is yet another example of why Trump will continue to cruise