Hung Cao, the Republican Senate nominee in Virginia, criticized drag queens and those who support them during a televised debate with Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine. Cao implied that individuals who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may not be suitable for military service, stating that the military needs “alpha males and alpha females” who are willing to do whatever it takes to win wars. Cao’s comments were in response to the Navy’s Digital Ambassador Pilot Program, which included a drag performer who was also a petty officer second class. The program ended amid Republican opposition.
Cao, a retired Navy captain with combat and noncombat experience, has made military recruitment a central issue in his campaign. Despite former President Donald Trump’s endorsement and support from the Republican Party, Cao faces an uphill battle against Sen. Kaine, who emphasizes the importance of reaching new demographics and promoting the benefits of military service. Kaine dismissed Cao’s arguments against DEI, calling it a distraction from the real issues facing the military.
The Cook Political Report predicts a favorable outcome for Sen. Kaine in the upcoming election, labeling the Virginia Senate seat as “solid” Democrat. Cao’s divisive comments on drag queens and diversity may have alienated potential voters, and his focus on traditional gender roles and military toughness may not resonate with a broad audience in Virginia.
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