Northam Refuses to Resign Despite Rising Tension
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam met with members of his cabinet Monday. The unplanned meeting comes after The Virginia Pilot obtained a 1984 yearbook photo. The photo showed two individuals, one in black face and the other in a KKK robe and was featured on Northam’s page of a 1984 medical school yearbook.
Sara Carter interviewed several Virginia residents for Monday’s “Hannity”. The majority of residents told Carter that Northam should do the right thing and resign. One resident told Carter, “I think it bothers me that he is not being honest.”, while another called Northam’s actions ‘disturbing.’
Northam apologized late Friday, “Earlier today, a website published a photograph of me from my 1984 medical school yearbook in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive.” he continued, “I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now.”
During a Saturday news conference, Northam backtracked from his earlier statement saying it was actually not him in the photograph.
Democrat Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia just stated, “I believe that I am not either of the people in that photo.” This was 24 hours after apologizing for appearing in the picture and after making the most horrible statement on “super” late term abortion. Unforgivable!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 3, 2019
Democrats Call for Northam’s Resignation
A number of Democrat leaders are calling for Northam’s resignation. Former Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder reacted on twitter, “It is difficult for anyone who watched the press conference today to conclude that he has any other choice… but to resign.”
Virginia Senator Warner (D-VA), Senator Kaine (D-VA), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) released a joint statement calling for Northam’s resignation.
Northam has yet to resign from the governorship despite mounting pressure. Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax (D) is also facing recent fire for allegations of sexual assault. Fairfax, who would take over if Northam resigns, has denied these claims.
I stated, earlier, that Gov. Northam’s continuing in office was his choice to make. It is difficult for anyone who watched the press conference today to conclude that he has any other choice … but to resign.
— L. Douglas Wilder (@GovernorWilder) February 3, 2019
My statement with Senators @timkaine and @MarkWarner urging Governor Northam to resign. pic.twitter.com/caAx6Im0Ga
— Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) February 2, 2019
Leaders are called to a higher standard, and the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government. The Governor of Virginia should step aside so the public can heal and move forward together.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 2, 2019
The photo is racist and contrary to fundamental American values. I join my colleagues in Virginia calling on Governor Northam to do the right thing so that the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia can heal and move forward.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) February 2, 2019
Northam must resign, and those who try to help him stumble past this deserve scrutiny.
If you can’t understand how painful + eroding this is to American society, let alone the state of Virginia, take some time to read up this weekend.
To start, try “Between the World and Me.” https://t.co/Fm0srrPZgN
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 3, 2019
This has gone on too long. There is nothing to debate. He must resign. https://t.co/TjfS3vbcws
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 3, 2019
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