McAuliff's loss supports Sirota's theory

538 provided details and insight into the loss and what it means for the Dem Party in the midterms. Republican turnout was high while Dem turnout not so much. Hence Youngkin outperformed in most all areas where Biden had done better last time. And he even won independent voters by a 9-point margin. Why? A key factor was Biden's low 43% approval rating and McAuliff being a more of the same Democorp.

"Virginia race demonstrates how even seemingly winnable races could be lost if Biden remains as unpopular as he is now. How much Biden rights the ship of state in the coming months will be critical to determining just how ripe of an environment Republicans have next year."

So why is Biden so unpopular? It seems Sirota was right in that Biden's continual caving to the corporate interests and the lackeys in his own Party are turning off otherwise motivated Dem and independent voters. Combine that with the fascist rhetoric that Youngkin applied strongly motivated his base to turn out. As Sirota predicted, it's the same formula for Twit's win the first time around. And if Dems don't change course and stand firm on progressive values and policies instead of the same old status quo it will be no surprise that the Repugs take back both Houses.

PS: That the New Jersey Governor's race is still too close to call has the same dynamic and implication. "Republican strongholds saw massive turnout while polling traffic was light in the state’s urban, heavily Democratic areas."