W&M Student Pens Open Letter in Support of Krystal Ball, Dismayed at Scott Robinson’s Continued Evasiveness on the Issues

The following is an open letter to Krystal Ball from a William and Mary (W&M) student named Leska Pravdic. She attended a Young Democrats meeting yesterday evening, which featured a visit from Scott Robinson. Scott and Krystal are both running for the democratic nomination in Virginia’s 1st CD.

Ms. Ball,

I’m a student at William and Mary and was at the Young Democrats meeting you visited several weeks ago. At tonight’s meeting, Scott Robinson visited us. I had been looking forward to this because I was interested to hear what his views on the issues were, especially considering his website touches only briefly upon three topics: internet coverage, education, and veterans’ issues. To my dismay, I was disappointed; Mr. Robinson took it for granted that we were all invested in helping him get elected and did not elaborate on his platform. Instead, he seemed to be most interested in getting our opinions on the best strategy for winning the campaign because “at the end of the day, this [electing democrats] is what it’s all about… I’m passionate about winning.”

Though I understand the importance of running effective campaigns, I guess I fundamentally disagree with Scott Robinson’s statement. To me, passing meaningful and progressive legislation is “what it’s all about;” winning elections is not an end but rather a means to an end. This is what I admired and appreciated about your visit to us. You specifically told us your viewpoints on all the major issues (as well as including them on your website), and made it clear that you would not sacrifice your values to party politics and petty bargaining. I think we need more politicians who see things this way, who aren’t willing to just say what they think sounds best.

To make a long story short, meeting Mr. Robinson tonight inspired me to get in touch with you and see if there’s any way I can get involved and help you win the democratic nomination. I heard through Young Democrats that you are looking for student interns to help you through November. Unfortunately, I will not be in Williamsburg over the summer (I will be in D.C.) and I will be in Argentina next semester. However, if there’s any way that I can get involved on a more short term basis in the Williamsburg area, I would love to. Please let me know if you have a need for this type of help.

Thank you very much,
Leksa Pravdic

It seems that everywhere Scott goes he leaves the same impression with folks. He simply continues to avoid “elaborat[ing] on his platform.” When he is forced to discuss issues, he simply bobs and weaves around them; or worse, he proposes ideas (e.g. breeder reactors) that are poorly researched and ill advised.

As the letter writer explains, “he seemed more interested in getting our opinions on the best strategy for winning the campaign” than talking about the issues. I’m going to give Scott some free advice, “talking about issues is what wins campaigns, not avoiding them.” The letter writer rightfully concludes that

passing meaningful progressive legislation is “what it’s all about;” winning elections is not an end but rather a means to an end.

I, like the writer, am inspired by the campaign Krystal is running: one based on a winning message and effective campaign strategy. She is clearly the best candidate to take on Wittman and win come November.