Mudslinging in the Virginia governor’s race gets dirty

With less than two weeks until Election Day in Virginia, the mudslinging is well underway in the governor’s race. Polls are neck and neck. The close race has the candidates doing everything they can do try and get an edge on their opponent. 

Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin is the latest to take fling some dirt, saying his opponent Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe “cut off” an interview early and “berated” the reporter. 

WATCH: Terry McAuliffe cut off an interview and berated a reporter for asking tough questions. #VAgov pic.twitter.com/wAaleFdF9f

— Team Youngkin – Spirit of Virginia (@TeamYoungkin) October 19, 2021

Following the interview with northern Virginia’s ABC affiliate, WJLA, Republicans blasted McAuliffe, saying he attacked “the reporter for asking tough questions.”

Virginia Democrat Terry McAuliffe ends an interview early, then attacks the reporter for asking tough questions.

“You should’ve asked better questions.” pic.twitter.com/ndoMY81528

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 19, 2021

WJLA posted the transcript of the interview.

As McAuliffe finishes his answer to a question about vaccinations in schools, his representative is heard saying, “Alright Nick we are already over time.”

McAuliffe then gets up and is heard saying, “Alright, we are over. That’s it. That’s it. Hey, I gave you extra time.”

There is cross chatter after that, but McAuliffe is heard saying, “C’mon man. You should have asked better questions early on. You should have asked questions your viewers care about.”

“Well, we did,” WJLA reporter Nick Minock said off-camera.

The Sinclair-owned station offered each candidate a 20-minute interview to air on their network. Going in, WJLA reports McAuliffe’s team said that he only had time for a 10-minute interview.

This is confirmed by a member of McAuliffe’s team, who posted the text chain he had with Minock.

It’s really unfortunate to see @7NewsDC mislead viewers by saying Terry “abruptly” left an interview that was ALWAYS scheduled to be 10 mins long, which @NickMinock agreed to beforehand.

And in the video you can see how lighthearted and joking Terry was after the interview. https://t.co/HUVmdbX4ro pic.twitter.com/nFv3aBI5GH

— Renzo Olivari (@Renzo_Olivari) October 20, 2021

Both candidates have found themselves in hot water this past week. Youngkin was attached to a campaign event where supporters pledged allegiance to a flag said to be carried during the January 6 riot at the Capitol. 

This is not who we are as Virginians. Tonight’s Donald Trump rally for Glenn Youngkin celebrating the insurrection against our country was unconscionable. Pledging allegiance to a flag that was at the deadly riot. Just watch. pic.twitter.com/VpRLSmF8zH

— Terry McAuliffe (@TerryMcAuliffe) October 14, 2021

Eyes nationwide are on this race as some say it will be a bellwether for the midterms.