Virginia Democrat Slammed After Saying He Understands Rural America From TV Shows
A Virginia state senator is facing scrutiny after remarks made during a floor debate on a redistricting amendment, where he referenced classic television shows to argue he understands rural America.
The comments quickly spread beyond the chamber, becoming part of a wider political fight over how congressional maps could reshape representation in the state.
The exchange took place during Senate consideration of a controversial redistricting measure that would allow Virginia lawmakers to redraw congressional districts ahead of the next census cycle.
During debate, Democratic Sen. Lamont Bagby pushed back against Republican criticism that Democrats are disconnected from rural communities, using pop culture references to make his point.
“I grew up watching The Waltons. I grew up with Opie. I even watched Dukes of Hazzard. I think I know a little bit about rural America,” Bagby said on the Senate floor, according to reporting on the proceedings.
He later expanded his remarks with additional character references from television sitcoms spanning different eras, drawing visible reaction in the chamber.
The comments quickly spread beyond the chamber, becoming part of a wider political fight over how congressional maps could reshape representation in the state.
The exchange took place during Senate consideration of a controversial redistricting measure that would allow Virginia lawmakers to redraw congressional districts ahead of the next census cycle.
During debate, Democratic Sen. Lamont Bagby pushed back against Republican criticism that Democrats are disconnected from rural communities, using pop culture references to make his point.
“I grew up watching The Waltons. I grew up with Opie. I even watched Dukes of Hazzard. I think I know a little bit about rural America,” Bagby said on the Senate floor, according to reporting on the proceedings.
He later expanded his remarks with additional character references from television sitcoms spanning different eras, drawing visible reaction in the chamber.
70-79, M
