Democracy Dies in Darkness

Youngkin to skip marquee debate over moderator’s donation to Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

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July 12, 2021 at 6:23 p.m. EDT
Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin, left, will not participate in the Virginia Bar Association debate against former Democratic governor Terry McAuliffe. (Steve Helber/AP; Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch/AP)

RICHMOND — Republican Glenn Youngkin will skip what is typically the premier debate of the Virginia governor's race, saying he objects to the moderator, PBS NewsHour host Judy Woodruff, because she once donated $250 to the Clinton Foundation's Haitian earthquake relief fund.

By refusing to square off with Democrat Terry McAuliffe at the Virginia Bar Association debate later this month, the political newcomer and former Carlyle Group executive is breaking with a 36-year tradition. Every aspiring Virginia governor has participated in the VBA debate since 1985.