Staff Reports
Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia has stirred the pot within the Republican circle, suggesting that it may not have been wise to work so hard at pushing President Joe Biden off the political stage. Now that Biden has stepped aside and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic nominee, Justice appears to be having a change of heart, reflecting on the supposed “gift” that Biden posed for the GOP. After all, taking out a president who can play the role of the punching bag seems a bit counterproductive now, doesn’t it?
Justice’s musings come at a time when Harris is raking in the cash like a kid at a candy store, announcing a massive fundraising haul of $310 million in just one month—far eclipsing Trump’s $139 million. Despite this financial advantage for Harris, Justice remains confident that the hardworking folks in West Virginia are unlikely to back her come November. After all, what does a VP named Kamala bring to the average blue-collar worker? Justice might be right in assuming that the mere mention of Harris sends many voters running back toward the GOP.
Jim Justice says Republicans should regret pushing so hard to get rid of Biden https://t.co/yf9eKiNZR8 #SmartNews
— Karen aka @djt_Susan (@SaintDonald45) August 4, 2024
The political landscape is heating up, serving up plenty of drama. With Harris emerging as a credible contender, Justice mentioned that Democrats are dangerously reinstated, armed with plenty of money that could make the upcoming election even trickier for Republicans. Since Harris seems to be gaining traction fast, Justice voiced concern about the tougher road ahead, which could make the GOP’s efforts feel more like an uphill battle.
Meanwhile, the GOP nominee for Vice President, Sen. J.D. Vance, isn’t helping matters with his unconventional rollout. His previous comments labeling Harris and other Democrats as “childless cat ladies” add fuel to the fire in the media circus surrounding the election. While Vance insists he simply intended to criticize the Democratic Party’s anti-family stance, one can’t help but feel a combination of worry and amusement that the Republicans might be stepping on their own toes in this election cycle.
With rumors swirling about Senator Joe Manchin potentially switching back to the Democratic Party to seize the spotlight, Justice seems unfazed. He’s gearing up to take Manchin’s spot in the Senate after winning his primary, confident he can snag a seat that hasn’t been held by a Republican since 1956. Justice’s candidacy seems to be about one-upping Manchin rather than simply riding the waves of voter sentiment, but he remains keenly aware that winning the Senate back is crucial in light of Harris’s ascension.
Governor Justice also has his own baggage to deal with; his family’s business debts have become fodder for critics. There’s talk of unpaid mining fines of over $300 million and even the auctioning of the Greenbrier Hotel, a luxurious family property. While critics have plenty to say about these financial issues, Justice remains adamant that such “bumps” are part of the game, and he’s focused on keeping thousands of people employed—an admirable goal if not a rather amusing distraction.
To top it all off, Justice has his trusty sidekick, his dog Babydog, as he navigates the murky waters of politics. The bulldog has stolen more than a few hearts and headlines, proving to be an unexpected star. While the campaign gears up for an intense showdown, it seems that Justice may very well have realized that a little humor and humility—in addition to sound strategy—could go a long way in these turbulent political times.
