Perhaps alarmed by multiple polls showing Republican Glenn Youngkin surging ahead in the Virginia gubernatorial race, CBS and ABC on Monday spewed false statements and offered a snide dismissal of his rise. On CBS Mornings, co-host Nate Burleson misled: “One key issue for Youngkin, opposition to the teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools. The curriculum is not taught in Virginia schools.”
That is a lie. The Virginia Department of Education website previously encouraged teachers to “embrace Critical Race Theory.” As Fox News noted:
Also in 2019, under Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane sent a memo to Virginia public schools endorsing "Foundations of Critical Race Theory in Education," as an important "tool" that can "further spur developments in education."
Back on CBS, Burleson offered an assist to slime Youngkin: “McAuliffe has called the tactic a racist dog whistle.”
Over on ABC’s Good Morning America on Monday, reporter Stephanie Ramos dismissed the Youngkin surge this way: “Polls show Political newcomer Glenn Youngkin statistically tied with McAuliffe, using talking points Republicans have seized on like the economy and education.”
What talking points? What, exactly, is the issue with education? Could it be the Loudoun, Virginia sex assaults by a male student in a girls bathroom? Ramos didn’t say.
On Sunday’s GMA, Kenneth Moton dismissed the Youngkin rise as yet more seizing from the GOP: “The big issue appears to be education, and Youngkin has seized on the anger from parents over mask mandates and the teaching of Critical Race Theory. President Biden won Virginia by ten points in 2020.”
On October 24, NBC’s Antonia Hylton falsely stated, “[CRT] not taught in public schools, but some conservative activists and parents have turned it into a catch-all for diversity programs and lessons about racism they say could make white students feel guilt.”
If Glenn Youngkin wins on Tuesday, get ready for the networks to spin it as the success of racist Republican talking points.
The propaganda on Good Morning America was sponsored by JC Penney. On CBS Mornings, it was sponsored by Tylenol. Click on the links to let them know what you think.
Transcripts are below. Click “expand” to read more.
CBS Mornings
11/1/2021
7:10 AM ETNATE BURLESON: Now to possible trouble for Democrats in a key governor's race in Virginia. New polling averages show that Republican Glenn Youngkin is just slightly ahead of Democrat Terry Mcauliffe. The two candidates spent the weekend trying to drum up last-minute support. One key issue for Youngkin, opposition to the teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools. The curriculum is not taught in Virginia schools and McAuliffe has called the tactic a racist dog whistle. If he wins, Youngkin would be the first Republican governor elected in Virginia since 2009. Polls close tomorrow night.
Good Morning America
11/1/2021
7:13 AM ETTJ HOLMES: We turn to now to how a surprisingly tight race for Virginia governor could be a glimpse for what happens across the country in 2022. Most polls show a dead heat between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin as we head into election day tomorrow. Our Stephanie Ramos with the latest for us.
STEPHANIE RAMOS: This morning, all eyes on the deadlocked governor's race. The candidates racing toward the finish line. The outcome, a possible preview of how Republicans will campaign next year. With control of Congress at stake amid the president's slumping poll numbers and a divided Democratic caucus.
TERRY MCAULIFFE: Let's bring it home, everybody. Let's go.
RAMOS: Some big name Democrats lining up behind former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.
JOE BIDEN: Vote, vote, vote, vote, vote.
RAMOS: With President Biden, Vice President Harris and former President Barack Obama all hitting the trail to shore up support as Republican enthusiasm surges in a state President Biden won by ten points.
GLENN YOUNGKIN: We are winning the independent votes by double digits.
RAMOS: Polls show Political newcomer Glenn Youngkin statistically tied with McAuliffe, using talking points Republicans have seized on like the economy and education.
YOUNGKIN: Parents have a right to be engaged in their kids' education.
RAMOS: Vowing to stand up for parents in the classroom and ban critical race theory from being taught in school.
MCAULIFFE: He has pitted parents against parents. He's got parents against teachers, and he's bringing his personal culture wars into our classrooms.
RAMOS: Reporter: Back in 2013 when McAuliffe won his first gubernatorial term, he broke the so-called Virginia curse of candidates losing Virginia's off-year gubernatorial race if the same party affiliation Democrat or Republican were in the White House. McAuliffe will try and do the same tomorrow. George?
