In my book MAGA is third on the list of reasons Youngkin won:
First, and foremost, McAuliffe ran an absolutely terrible campaign. He wrecked himself, on multiple occasions. Second, Youngkin ran a good campaign, and avoided any self-inflicted wounds. He essentially was a good quarterback, not a great one, who won the game with solid play and no turnovers. And last, the MAGA folks delivered.
Trump should simply recognize Youngkin’s victory as his and his alone, and congratulate him for running a successful campaign. A humble approach would better serve President Trump, especially if he really has future ambitions.
Part of me thinks Trump is jabbing him because he wouldn’t campaign with him. I absolutely love President Trump, but sometimes he makes me shake my head with disapproval.
I don't look gift horses in the mouth.
I agree with your assessment. Trump cannot help himself when he is attacked and he was attacked viciously in VA. Obama, Biden, Harris, and McAwful all mentioned Trump over and over. They tried to make this election another referendum on Trump.
Youngkin did a good job of threading the needle, but they got Trump’s dander up and he is gloating today. It was inevitable that Trump would take a victory lap, but the wiser tact would be to enjoy the victory and congratulate Youngkin while softening your image with suburban moms.
It sucks because they are so painful for those of us who support MAGA, but that is the demographic Trump must win over for 2024. No amount of snark by us will change it.