Any criticisms of those turbulent years under Donald Trump? Youngkin hesitantly said, “Well, I assume what you say and how you say it. “I believe it is possible to disagree with someone without being impolite. I don’t use names when addressing individuals. One thing I believe is appropriate is to refrain from insults. Simply put, we have various styles.
Youngkin is debating whether there is opportunity for a different approach in the 2024 field in this age of snarling politics. Youngkin, who contrasted himself with Trump, rose to national prominence in GOP circles partly due to his deft handling of Trump in his victory in 2021. He gained the backing of the former president and nearly won in areas that supported Donald Trump, but he successfully resisted Democrats.
According to those involved in his deliberations and Virginia and national activists who are familiar with his decision-making processes, Youngkin is currently engaged in a protracted and even agonizing decision-making process about whether the time is right for a presidential nomination.
He is propelled forward by the desire of voters for what they see as a strong alternative to Trump and DeSantis, as well as by historical examples of Trump and former President Barack Obama, which demonstrate that this is a time when voters reward those who seize the moment rather than spending years ticking off traditional boxes.
For now, his interview and travel schedule certainly seems to be for someone who wants to keep their options open — and relishes the attention. In his two years in office, he has given approximately 80 national television interviews, including numerous Sunday programs, and will chair a number of high-profile events over the next few weeks, including the Bush Institute Leadership Forum in Dallas, the Heritage Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Summit, Mount Vernon and a speech at the Reagan Library.
Other highlights of the Youngkin interview, conducted over fried chicken tacos at a diner on Main Street near the Capitol, included:
— His calculation for running: Unsurprisingly for the politician he’s become, Youngkin called his name thrown into the mix “a humiliating, humiliating, humiliating talk,” but said his full attention is on Virginia. But what was implied in his response was that he was attempting to create a Virginia model for the Republican Party, coloring a purple state red to win statewide.
