Debunking the Glenn Youngkin fantasy

Come on, man.

(Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin)

CBS News’ Robert Costa has a new piece in the Washington Post reporting on the ramped-up speculation that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin might be (re)considering a late-entry run for the Republican presidential nomination.

Here’s the key bit:

Drafting Youngkin as a last-minute addition to the sclerotic Republican presidential field is something that has lingered for months as a donor fantasy — a whispered, can-you-imagine gambit rarely meriting much discussion because there has been widespread hope that somebody, anybody, would gain traction against former president Donald Trump. But now, fantasy talk of an audacious, break-the-glass moment for the anti-Trump faction has morphed into not-so-quiet consideration.

Wednesday’s debate in California likely did little to calm the restlessness felt by plugged-in Republicans desperate for an alternative to Trump. Even as some contenders understandably boast about a bounce, dissatisfaction with the field has become a refrain that will not abate.

The Costa piece quotes several major donors — and former attorney general Bill Barr!— expressing interest in a Youngkin candidacy and suggesting that if he did run there would be ample resources to back him.

Here’s the thing: This notion is utter and complete bunk. And the continued speculation about a Youngkin candidacy is based on a total misreading of the Republican electorate.