VA Gov. Youngkin stokes 2024 campaign speculation after killing Ford battery plant over its links to

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

China

It seemed like a deal any governor would love to tout, especially if dreaming of a move to the White House: 2,500 high-tech manufacturing jobs for an iconic American company in a long-struggling part of the state.

But this week, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia nixed a proposed $3.5 billion Ford electric vehicle battery factory over its partnership with a Chinese battery maker, saying he would not allow taxpayer money to be used to “recruit Ford as a front for China.”

The decision by the former CEO stunned observers, leading many to see it as further evidence that Youngkin is preparing to run for president and trying to neutralize a potential line of attack on his past business ties to the communist country. (Virginia doesn't allow governors to serve consecutive terms, so Youngkin can't seek re-election.)

“There’s a logic to the politics of Youngkin’s decision,” said Liam Donovan, a Republican strategist and lobbyist. “It tracks with the prevailing tough-on-China sentiment within the party, showcasing a pugilistic side the base craves but that’s otherwise absent from his persona, and seeks to turn a potential vulnerability — Youngkin’s business dealings — into an experience that informs his stance.”

https://www.yahoo.com/news/virginia-gov-youngkin-stokes-2024-150000466.html

Didn't he just get elected Virginia governor? Might want to serve a full term. Or is he just full of himself?

[Samrob]

1. Hmmm...cost VA a lot of jobs? nt

[DFW]

2. He's looking to upgrade

He got himself elected governor of Virginia, a job he didn't/doesn't know how to do, by taking no positions because he had no positions.

He now wants to be president, displaying exactly the same qualifications.

[Polybius]

3. He's forced out in 2025

Virginia has term limits limited to just one term.

[RandySF]

4. This is the Republican way.

Gain support by blocking jobs.

[FBaggins]

5. A senate run seems more likely than the one for president

Maybe a run for VP

[Buckeyeblue]

6. I think he'll run. And he might do very well

Especially if Trump and DeSantis duke it out for the deplorable vote. That leaves the moderate wing of the Republicans to maybe pick the nominee.

[regnaD kciN]

7. "The moderate wing of the Republican Party"...

Is that a little like the “Iranian moderates” of the 1980s?

After all, they’re both myths.

[Buckeyeblue]

8. Mostly myth...but there has to be some

Some that aren't full blown MAGA.

[Elessar Zappa]

13. He won't get past the primaries.

I just don’t think there’s enough moderates left in that party to elect their candidate. Trump or DeSantis will win, probably Trump, imo.

[Takket]

9. Imagine actually running on blocking a 3.5 billion project in your state

Based upon a minor connection to China. I’m sure his bigotry comes as a relief to the people missing out on these jobs.

[peggysue2]

10. He's full of himself

Thinks the Mr. Rogers' sweater routine is going to carry him to the WH. Add in a little China hate and he's The Man.

LOL! Good luck with that.

I imagine Youngkin watching glumly from the sidelines as Trump and DeSantis enter a battle-till-death match, winner take all in the GOP primary.

Should be quite the showdown.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

11. Michigan may say thank you Youngkin

Republican governor makes strong accusation against Ford — and it could help Michigan

Michigan is a potential front-runner for a massive new economic development deal, thanks in part to the Virginia governor suggesting Ford Motor Co. and a partner company are conduits for communism and the Chinese government.

The ripple effects of this business and political decision from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, will have a real impact on the Dearborn automaker and the people of Michigan, economic and political analysts tell the Free Press.

In the short term, it may give Michigan the leg up to land another huge deal: Reports indicate the Virginia plan Youngkin turned down was a $3.5 billion battery plant with the possibility of 2,500 jobs. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state leaders aren't talking about this project at the moment, but according to other news reports and a source close to the negotiations who was not authorized to speak publicly, the state is in the running for the site and state leaders have championed others that involved Chinese-owned companies.

The dynamic situation also foreshadows a political climate that may drastically change how Ford and other electric vehicle manufacturers, at times reliant on Chinese companies, operate in the U.S. And it sets the stage for China-bashing by politicians jockeying for the next election cycle.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/republican-governor-makes-strong-accusation-against-ford-and-it-could-help-michigan/ar-AA16DIAJ

[Demsrule86]

12. Or Ohio.

[Cha]

16. I Hope So! I thought I read it was

gong to Tennessee but that may have been premature.

[Mr.Bill]

14. He's full of something,

that's for sure.

[kimbutgar]

15. So much for the narrative that republicans are job creators

Youngkin is a job killer in his state.

[Cha]

17. And, Dumbkin is a Gaslit Idiot.