Virginia’s Democratic Speaker of the House, Don Scott, was recently criticized online after describing Democrats who voted “No” in the recent redistricting referendum as “bed wetters.” His remarks did not sit well with many Virginia residents, who took to social media to complain about the politician.
Don Scott made the controversial remarks soon after a narrow victory in the referendum, which could affect November’s midterm elections in the Democratic Party’s favor. According to him, “We know it was close because there were some Democrats, some squishy, bed-wetting Democrats, who claim ‘oh, I don’t like gerrymandering,’ this is not about gerrymandering.”
The House speaker also claimed that many Black and Brown voters were impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies and suggested they played a significant role in the outcome.
Virginia Residents React to House Speaker Don Scott’s Remarks
Don Scott’s controversial words were criticized by many Virginia residents on social media: “God. Just… take the W, man. If you’re more concerned with giving credit to the right people than in helping everyone, no one else is going to support you.” Others seemed disappointed with the Democratic Party, saying, “As usual, democrats can’t help but find reasons to turn allies into enemies.”
Some Democratic voters seemed disappointed with Scott, as they believed that those who opposed the redistricting changes had their reasons. One of them said, “It’s likely that thousands of Dem voters opted out or voted ‘No’ in the wake of these truly senseless restrictions. I voted yes, but I have never been closer to voting against the Dem party. I was conflicted until the moment I filled in the bubble.”
Even some folks who did not disagree with the politician thought his tone was too harsh: “I kind of agree, but I’m an anonymous nobody. He is the House Speaker in Virginia. He absolutely should not be saying that about his own party’s voters.”
Others were not thrilled about how the Democratic Party seemed to be so at ease after a narrow victory: “Taking a victory lap and insulting your own after 51/49 on this, a serious fall from win margins in Spanbarger +16, Biden +8, and even Harris +5, seems like clueless arrogance to me.” It remains to be seen how the redistricting will affect Virginia, though it could result in Democrats gaining additional seats in Congress.
