RICHMOND, Va. — Dr. Bob Holsworth, a political analyst for WTVR CBS 6, said expectations were high for Gov. Abigail Spanberger's inaugural address as Virginia's first female governor.
"I think she exceeded them. It was a pretty inspirational speech," Holsworth said.
The political analyst noted that Spanberger balanced calls for unity with addressing key issues that helped Democrats win in November.
"She talked about wanting unity, but at the same time, she didn't shy away from a lot of the issues that actually elected the Democrats this time," Holsworth said. "And that is the concern about what Donald Trump and the federal government is doing to Virginia. She mentioned it in very stark terms, particularly when she talked about they were gilding buildings while our schools are crumbling in some instances."
Watch Abigail Spanberger’s inaugural address as Virginia's 1st female governor
Holsworth said Spanberger's address may have signaled her potential response to the Trump administration.
"What's so interesting is that really one of the big unknowns about this governorship is what is going to be the response and the reaction from up north, from the Trump administration," Holsworth said. "We've seen some instances already where the Trump administration and Democratic governors have been at odds. I don't think that Spanberger necessarily wants to invite that. But on the other hand, everyone recognizes that that is sort of hovering about right now, and no one quite knows what's going to occur there."
Immigration policy emerged as another key theme in the governor's speech. Spanberger addressed her stance on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
"She has said during the campaign she would cooperate with ICE if you're talking about going after hardened criminals," Holsworth said. "But not when you're looking at people who are just doing their job, and by and large, are contributing to the community. And she emphasized that today, and that got a huge applause from the crowd."
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