VA Dems, Neera Tanden reaffirm support for Jay Jones after his comments calling for murder of GOP colleagues

After it has come to light that Democrat candidate for Virginia state Attorney General Jay Johnson called for the assassination of a political opponent and joked about the killing of his political opponent's family, the Virginia Beach Democratic leadership have reaffirmed their support of Johnson amid the controversy. This comes as ex-advisor to former President Joe Biden, Neera Tanden, blew off the text from Jones as a "private conversation."

In a statement, the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee said, "The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) reaffirms its full support of Jay Jones for Attorney General. We are lined up, ten toes down—ready to organize, mobilize, and deliver voters for Jay and our entire Democratic ticket."

"Recent press may have spotlighted past mistakes. We say, let those without sin cast the first stone. Jay Jones has taken responsibility, apologized, and shown he is committed to serving with integrity and accountability that his public record already shows. Virginians deserve a leader who learns, grows, and stands for everyday people and Jay is that leader. Jay Jones is a stark contrast to Jason Miyares in every way. In his tenure, Miyares has failed to stand up for Virginia families' concerns or values. He has not defended women's reproductive rights, workers' rights or protected the hundreds of thousands of Virginians who are on the verge of losing access to their healthcare benefits and service providers. The VBDC is calling on all Virginians to line up behind Jay Jones. Together, in November we will defend democracy, and secure leadership in the Attorney General's office that truly serves all the people of Virginia," the Democrat Committee added.

However, the Virginia Beach Democrats were not the only ones excusing Jones' behavior. Neera Tanden, a former advisor to former President Joe Biden, also appeared on Meet the Press where she excused the behavior from Jones, saying that it took place in a "private conversation."

While Tanden appeared on the outlet, former Trump political advisor Marc Short shifted the conversation surrounding Trump posting memes with Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer in sombreros to Jones’ calling “for the assassination of a political opponent” as well as “that political opponent’s family.”

Tanden responded: "I absolutely think that people should criticize that, 100 percent. I think it was a private conversation he had, but still awful and disgusting. It should be condemned."

"But then, we should condemn that, but then you should condemn when the president calls the Democratic Party, the party of Satan," she added.

Amid the backlash to the comments, many have called on Democrat gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger to demand Jones withdraw from the race. Spanberger has previously voiced support for Jones, but has refused to call on him to drop out of the race, while she expressed disgust with Jones' statements.

“After learning of these comments earlier today, I spoke frankly with Jay about my disgust with what he had said and texted,” Spanberger stated after the revelations on Jones' text messages.

“I made clear to Jay that he must fully take responsibility for his words. What I have also made clear is that as a candidate — and the next Governor of our Commonwealth, I will always condemn violent language in our politics."

Additionally, major Democratic politicians as well as left-wing organizations have not withdrawn their endorsement for Jones. These include Senator Cory Booker, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, and many others.