Obama faces backlash for appearing at Virginia rally with scandal-plagued attorney general candidate Jay Jones, who previously made violent threats against Republicans.
Former President Barack Obama was slammed by critics after headlining a Hampton Roads, Virginia, rally for Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger and the Democrats’ statewide ticket that included a somewhat surprise appearance by scandal-plagued attorney general candidate Jay Jones.
Jones, who envisioned the murder of former House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children – and also faces an ongoing criminal investigation stemming from his 116-mph reckless driving charge – avoided mentioning those scandals and instead slammed President Donald Trump during his remarks.
The appearance tied Obama and Spanberger to Jones — a move critics said undercuts the former president’s past calls for civility and his 2024 comments urging Black voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris.
« They endorse killing us », Florida political journalist Eric Daugherty said of Obama’s appearance with Jones.
« In a disgusting sight, Virginia AG candidate Jay Jones — who called for the murder of Republicans and their children — is being cheered at a Barack Hussein Obama rally with gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger », Daugherty said.
Obama notably did not mention Jones by name, Fox News’ Steve Doocy reported Monday, before asking Republican Winsome Earle-Sears herself about the spectacle.
