The Japan Times - Democrats bet on centrism in rebuttal to Trump speech

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger criticized the US president for his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein affair as well as alleged corruption, but mostly focused on cost-of-living issues centrists believe will have cross-party appeal.

"Costs are too high in housing, health care, energy and child care," Spanberger said in a staid, measured speech.

"Americans deserve to know that their leaders are focused on addressing the problems that keep them up at night."

Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term Congresswoman, successfully won back the Virginia governor's mansion from Republicans last year with an affordability-focused platform.

Her selection to deliver the party's formal rebuttal to Trump's address to Congress was clearly aimed at putting forward an example for the rest of the party to follow.

The Democratic Party remains split over turning out centrist and even moderate Republican voters or firing up the base on progressive promises of sweeping reform.

While left-wing stalwarts like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani have also run campaigns on affordability, Spanberger also emphasized more traditional centrist ideals like bipartisanship, patriotism and her law enforcement bonafides.

Spanberger also hit Trump on issues like the immigration crackdown, saying federal agents have "ripped nursing mothers away from their babies," while saying the immigration system was "broken."

The primaries ahead of the midterms are likely to see some combative races between moderate and Democratic progressives.

With Spanberger, the Democratic leadership was signaling a preference for persuasion and disciplined messaging over ideological confrontation.

Party leaders view her as a communicator capable of reaching beyond the Democratic base at a time when cost‑of‑living pressures dominate public debate.

"Those who are stepping up now to run will win in November, because Americans -- you at home -- know you can demand more," she said.

Spanberger first gained national prominence in 2018 when she captured a Republican-held suburban district in Virginia, part of a Democratic wave driven by moderate candidates and disaffected swing voters.

She later secured reelection in the competitive seat before securing the governorship last year, solidifying her reputation as an election winner focused on economic and national security concerns.

Her campaigns have consistently emphasized healthcare, economic stability and bipartisan problem‑solving -- priorities Democrats hope will resonate with suburban and independent voters this November.

Y.Watanabe--JT