The Return of Ed DUCK-lespie

In VA-GOV Debate, Gillespie All Over the Map on Graham-Cassidy, Won’t Answer Any Questions on Trump 

Tonight, at Virginia’s second gubernatorial debate, Republican Ed Gillespie once again refused to acknowledge the giant elephant in the room: Donald Trump. One issue after issue, Gillespie refused to take a stand on the policies coming from the Trump administration. 

Gillespie twisted and turned to duck questions on his stance on the Graham-Cassidy bill: On stage, he tried to give the impression that he opposed the Graham-Cassidy proposal in the Senate. But then in the gaggle afterwards, he completely walked it back: 

REPORTER: Graham-Cassidy, you oppose that?

GILLESPIE: No. What I said is that we should not in any legislation – this is what I said from the very beginning as there’s been in discussions in Washington about repeal and replace, Virginia cannot and should not be punished for being a fiscally responsible state…when it comes to our Medicaid spending and we should not be punished for not taking the Medicaid expansion. There’s a process that is underway right now and I want to make sure that in any process that Virginia is protected from that kind of punishment, but I’m not endorsing or opposing any specific legislation…not right now. I haven’t even had a chance to read it. But as a principle I have been consistent in this regard and that is where I am today. We should not be punished. 

“Tonight, Ed Gillespie acted like he was allergic to all things Donald Trump,” said DGA Communications Director Jared Leopold. “The Trump agenda threatens to hurt millions of Virginians, and Gillepsie couldn’t be bothered to speak up. He couldn’t even give a straight answer on the Graham-Cassidy bill. Virginians deserve a governor who isn’t afraid to take a stand and protect the people of the Commonwealth. Tonight, Ed Gillespie showed he’s not prepared to do that.” 

When asked about Trump’s failure to condemn white supremacists in Charlottesville, Ed ducked 

When pressed to take a position on Trump’s repeal of DACA, Ed ducked.

When asked about Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord, Ed ducked.

When asked point blank about Virginia Republicans disapproval of the president…you guessed it, Ed ducked.