WaPo: “Gov. Glenn Youngkin sat in a conference room near the State Capitol last week and lamented the “divisive” nature of politics, then praised Democrats for joining him on a measure to lift school mask mandates.
But as he spoke of unity, his office put out a statement saying school boards that disagree with him are “attacking their own students” and “stunningly detached from reality.”
Such mixed messages — pleas for civility accompanied by a verbal smackdown — are something of a hallmark for Youngkin (R), a political neophyte whose campaign last year depicted him as both a mainstream moderate and a bright red admirer of Donald Trump.
After a month in office, it’s becoming clear that the duality is a feature, not a bug. Which is the real Youngkin? Depends on the audience. At the Capitol, he has impressed officials with his ability to absorb information and ask smart questions. He has met with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and prayed for peace in memory of the fallen Bridgewater College officers.”