In the nine weeks since Election Day, political observers say, Terry McAuliffe (D) has been shockingly gubernatorial.
With moderate Cabinet picks and an ardent courtship of Republicans, the colorful former Democratic National Committee chairman and political fundraiser has projected an image of seriousness, caution and bipartisanship that critics had doubted he could muster.
His deliberate approach appears meant to win over skeptics in both parties who dismissed him as a flamboyant Washington insider with no interest or experience in state politics before his failed bid for governor four years ago. He especially needs to woo Republicans if he wants to get his priorities through a House dominated by the GOP and a Senate where control is in flux.
“I was expecting it was going to be crazy liberals and political hacks,” Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax) said of McAuliffe’s Cabinet appointees. “And I have been very surprised — pleasantly surprised — that he really seems to be appointing people who know what they are doing, who are mainstream, who know how to run a government, who’ve been in the job before. So, pretty impressed.”
Everyone had it all decided last fall. The detractors of Terry McAuliffe had him pegged as a political hack who was partisan and knew nothing about governing. It seems that that assessment was just a little premature, as Virginia’s new governor has proven again and again that the way to move forward is by finding common ground.
Readers should note that not all of the McAuliffe detractors are Republicans. More than a handful are Democrats.
Let me be the first to say, “Good luck, McAulliffe.”
Good for you, Cargo. I am impressed.
@Kelly You too, Kelly.
I am willing to give the guy a chance so long as he avoids the temptation to push for gun control or go “all-in” for Obamacare. Hopefully he will try to keep Virginia business friendly. Depending on the specifics, I am even willing to keep an open mind about the tax hikes he is sure to propose.
I think we have crossed the Rubicon as far as ACA. How much deeper can we go? McAuliffe is very business oriented.
I would expect efforts made to have background checks.
The Republicans sure did some tax hikes. I look at tax hikes as being anything that increases my taxes. I am now paying taxes on everything I buy at Amazon. Thanks, Republicans. Somehow that one really pisses me off.
I am pleased that McAuliffe and McDonnell were as cordial to each other as they were. McDonnell made things much easier for the transition team. He should be commended for his efforts.
No in-residency first lady until June. A couple of young McAuliffes have to finish school in Northern Virginia.
However bad it gets (not saying that it will, but if it does), we Rs should remind ourselves that McAuliffe was a very weak D candidate and that we chose one of the very few candidates who couldn’t defeat him. We share full responsibility.
The good news, however, is that TM is forced by circumstances to be moderate and centrist in his approach. That is a discipline to which Rs often are not subjected (or at least delude themselves into thinking that they are not subjected).
Remember that Mark Warner had no actually held public office and was seen by many as an inexperienced political hack. He ended up being one of Virginia’s most popular governors.
I think T-Mac is going to do all right. His wife Dorothy looked lovely yesterday. [as an aside]
@Moon-howler
In my mind, I continued that line…. “…..we’ll need it.”
The prior governor appointed political hacks.
@Starry flights
All governors appoint political hacks. This one will be no different.
That’s probably very true. I expect most politicians appoint political hacks.