The Political Minority of Northern Virginia

It's time to be the majority

By Darryl Weng

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Although Youngkin’s victory in Virginia is that of great admiration and respect, grass-roots conservative causes in Northern Virginia where progressives reign with great influence are beyond repairable.

William F. Buckley, in The God And Man At Yale, once wrote of something similar we find today:

“We find that in the absence of demonstrable truth, the best we can do is exercise the greatest diligence, humility, insight, intelligence, and industry in trying to arrive at the nearest values to truth.”

With mass media squashing any opposing view and suppressing conservative thought, it has been unbearable for any Republican candidate seeking voters in a political minority setting. But, Buckley reminds us that, at a time like this, when the greatest odds are against the values of truth, one must take extra care to muster the greatest diligence to ‘arrive at the nearest values to truth.’ Thus, it is inexcusable that such Republican candidates contribute to the hazardous media portrayal of them through lack of wit and words. As a result of countless failures by Republican candidates to combat media portrayal, Americans, especially those deeply situated in the bluest parts of the nation, are inclined to absorb information or assumptions the media has provided them: conservatives are proud, gun-loving, and immoral humans.

Sure this is an exaggeration of the media portrayal of conservatives, but it should not be forgotten that the media has perfected its system of propaganda through either fake or highly objective news. To combat lies and deadly assumptions, GOP candidates, especially in Northern Virginia, must change their campaign motto.

As of right now, the political strategy among GOP candidates for Northern Virginia political offices are out of place - appealing to a demographic of little existence in the area. How many Northern Virginians understand and care about the phrase “constitutional conservative” when there are candidates who prioritize their image as compassionate, moral, and a supporter of human rights? Why is there no “I supported infant lives” instead of “Pro-lifer?”

These are the questions that the Virginia GOP must ask its party members. In fact, a more simple question should be: Who are your voters?

Without knowing the demographic of one’s area of voters, he/she cannot form any political strategy. Therefore, if one’s political strategy has no implication of knowing his/her voters, he/she does not have a political strategy. Since Northern Virginia is home to many high-income families and a large population of citizens of foreign birth, language and dialogue should be increasingly focused on being moral and authentic. In previous articles, I have mentioned the extent of politically therapeutic natures of people of a sizable income to be able to enjoy luxuries here and there. This greatly applies to Northern Virginians, and so it is incredibly important to present a charitable image of a candidate - one who is interested in the welfare of others. So, instead of campaigning for less taxes through expressing dismay at the government taking too much tax, one should campaign for less taxes on the grounds of bettering the livelihoods of, not just Northern Virginians, but the poor and lower to middle class families.

The average voter dreams of voting for a candidate that represents everything he/she aspires to be or emulate, whether or not attainable. Such is the strategy that the GOP must take on - providing the image of a stellar candidate who cares deeply about the welfare of the people. Because it is often the case that Republican policies over the economy are favorable amongst many Americans and that Republicans are rebuffed by many for their seemingly immoral image, the more GOP candidates blend behaviorally with progressive candidates, the more likely Northern Virginians are going to vote for the GOP nominees.