Before I began following politics closely, I had a lot more respect for elected officials. I assumed one had to be exceptional to earn a seat in office. But the more I watch — seeing everything from cluelessness and indifference to outright cynicism and corruption — that respect has steadily eroded.
Exhibit A: In the clip below, Virginia State Sen. Lamont Bagby, a Democrat, beclowned himself during a floor debate. The remarks came after Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley ruled on Wednesday that the state’s redistricting referendum unconstitutional. [The measure would produce a 10–1 Democratic split in the House delegation. The judge also blocked certification of the results and refused to pause the ruling during the appeal.]
Bagby told colleagues he “knows a little bit about rural America” because he grew up watching programs like The Waltons, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Dukes of Hazzard.
Speaking slowly for maximum oratorical impact, he said:
And listen, I almost took issue with the other side saying that we don’t understand. But I grew up watching The Waltons. I grew up with Opie [Taylor from The Andy Griffith Show]. I even watched The Dukes of Hazzard. I think I know a little bit about rural America.And when I think about why we’re here … I’m not just here for Theo [Huxtable from The Cosby Show], I’m not just here for Arnold or Willis [characters on Diff’rent Strokes]. I’m here for Opie, John Boy, Blossom, Topanga.
I watched Dynasty in the 1980s — does that make me an authority on how the ultra-wealthy actually live?
Although Bagby’s remarks drew some laughter from fellow lawmakers, his argument fell flat with the public, who were quick to deride the state senator on social media:
One Virginia voter got right to the heart of the matter:
In the end, the problem isn’t just one ill-considered remark or one awkward attempt at relatability. It’s the mindset behind it — the belief that surface-level familiarity can substitute for lived experience, and that voters are too stupid to notice the difference. People in rural communities don’t need to be explained to through decades-old television shows; they expect to be listened to, taken seriously, and represented honestly. When that gap becomes obvious, moments like this stop being amusing and start feeling revealing.
If anything, this episode underscores why public trust for elected officials continues to slip. Respect is earned through competence, humility, and a genuine understanding of the people they serve. When lawmakers lean on caricatures instead of substance, they shouldn’t be surprised when the public responds with ridicule and contempt.
Elizabeth writes commentary for Legal Insurrection and The Washington Examiner. She is an academy fellow at The Heritage Foundation. Please follow Elizabeth on X or LinkedIn.
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