Virginia Proves Moderate Democrats No Longer Exist [WATCH]

Fox News anchor Brett Baier and political strategist Josh Holmes raised concerns during a televised exchange over a sweeping series of policy changes proposed in Virginia following the inauguration of Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger, arguing the state is moving sharply to the left despite campaign promises of moderation.

Baier opened the discussion by pointing to an executive order signed by Spanberger that limits cooperation between state and local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement when dealing with criminal illegal immigrants.

“That’s the new governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger. Ran for that office as a moderate but the executive order she talked about is state and local police not cooperating with ice to get criminal illegal immigrants,” Baier said.

Baier noted that Democrats now control Virginia’s legislature and said a wide range of bills have been introduced that represent a significant shift in policy direction. He proceeded to list several proposals that have been put forward.

“There’s also a list of now the Democrats control the legislature that a number of bills that have been put forward. You can’t read it here, but let me just go through it,” Baier said.

He outlined proposed taxes and regulations, beginning with new revenue measures.

“Sales tax on Uber Eats, Amazon, sales tax on admissions to variety of businesses. Create two new higher tax brackets, 10% tax bracket for anyone making over 1,000,003.8 investment tax, raise the hotel tax. New personal property tax on landscaping equipment,” Baier said.

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Baier continued by detailing environmental and social policy proposals.

“Ban gas powered leaf blowers. Guarantee illegal aliens free education. Make it illegal to approach somebody at an abortion clinic,” he said.

He then listed election-related changes under consideration.

“Extend the time absentee ballots can be received after Election Day. Allow people to cast their votes electronically through the internet. Expand ranked choice voting. Send the deadline for ballot curing. Redact the addresses of political candidates from FOIAs. Add Virginia to the national popular vote. Compact make it illegal to hand count ballots,” Baier said.

Baier also referenced proposed firearms regulations and criminal justice reforms.

“$500 sales tax on firearm suppressors assault weapons at large capacity magazine, Ban 11% sales tax on all firearms and ammunition. Prohibit outdoor shooting of a firearm less than five acres. Lower the criminal penalties for robbery. Ban the arrest of illegal aliens in courthouses. Remove mandatory minimum sentences,” he said.

He concluded the list by noting additional local authority expansions and cultural changes.

“Allow localities to install speed cameras and replace Columbus Day with indigenous peoples day. So elections have consequences,” Baier said.

Holmes responded by arguing the developments demonstrate the disappearance of moderate Democrats and reflect broader changes within the party.

“What a spectacular reminder that we no longer live in an era where there is an existence of a moderate Democrat,” Holmes said.

He said critics who previously warned about the direction of the Democratic Party had been dismissed.

“I think, for the last six months, for those of us who pointed out that the Mamdani’s of the world had taken over the Democratic Party, we were assured, no, no, that’s not the new face of the Democratic Party,” Holmes said.

Holmes pointed directly to Spanberger as an example, arguing the pace of policy changes has been rapid.

“It’s people like moderates. Abigail Spanberger, I mean, she’s there for a cup of coffee, and all of a sudden we have a Communist Manifesto out in front of us,” Holmes said.

He added that the proposals reflect how Democrats govern regardless of campaign messaging, even in competitive states.

“This is going fast and furious, but it is how Democrats govern, regardless of how what they say, even in a state, a purple state like Virginia,” Holmes said.

Holmes contrasted the new agenda with the previous Republican administration.

“Youngkin didn’t govern as a right wing lunatic, she’s trying to take it so far left it’s almost unrecognizable,” Holmes said.

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