Virginia Senate Debate: Clinton Ex-Running Mate Kaine, GOP Challenger Cao Spar on Immigration, DEI in Military
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Republican challenger Hung Cao clashed in their only debate over various issues, including immigration and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the military. The debate, held at Norfolk State University, highlighted significant political divides and addressed local issues pertinent to Virginia and Norfolk, home to the largest Navy base in the United States.
### Immigration and DEI
– **Immigration**: Cao criticized COVID vaccine mandates for military personnel and the Biden-Harris administration’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal. He also emphasized the need to secure the border and deport undocumented immigrants who commit crimes, stating, “If you entered the country illegally, you’ve disrupted the entire system”.
– **DEI**: Cao expressed disapproval of DEI initiatives, saying, “Using a drag queen to recruit for the Navy is not what we need. What we need is alpha males and alpha females who are going to rip out their own guts, eat them, and ask for seconds.” Kaine countered that attacks on DEI are misleading and that the main issue lies in educating a larger segment of the population about the advantages of military service.
### Economic and Military Issues
– **Tariffs**: Cao argued against taxing domestic industries, suggesting that tariffs should be imposed on foreign nations bringing goods into the country. Kaine opposed Trump’s tariff plan, asserting that it would lead to significant price increases on imported goods.
– **Military Recruitment**: Kaine emphasized the need to improve communication about the G.I. Bill and other military benefits, as well as the exceptional leadership training available in the service. Cao criticized the current recruitment strategies, advocating for stronger, more resilient individuals.
### Election Outlook
Despite Trump’s endorsement, Cao’s chances of winning are slim due to Virginia’s moderate electorate and Kaine’s strong appeal to voters. Kaine won his previous election in 2018 by a margin of 16 percentage points, and he is bracing for a tough contest this year.
