News

Actions

Les Smith Reports: The handshake that wasn’t…

Posted at 5:32 PM, Nov 04, 2013
and last updated 2013-11-04 17:32:09-05

The handshake that wasn't -- It's being seen all around the world, thanks to the Internet.

It happened last Thursday night at the end of a live discussion between the candidatesfor Virginia Lieutenant Governor.

The Republican candidate, E.W. Jackson, extended his hand to the Democrat, Ralph Northam, who did not shake it.

The two men had engaged in a spirited debate over abortion, same-sex marriage, Obamacare, and other issues facing voters. But it was the tone of the live debate and the way it ended that caught the critics' attention.

Jackson claimed Northam disrespected him by not shaking his hand. It was picked up by the Conservative website Breitbart and then posted on the Drudge Report. The report quoted two civil rights leaders criticizing Northam, questioning whether there were racial undertones.

Northam's spokesman, Grant Herring, issued a statement saying, "Both candidates shook each others hands before and after the appearance. It is a shame that Mr. Jackson would manufacture such a misleading distraction. Jackson is so desperate to attract voters from his rigid ideology that will cut over $100 million from our public schools. It is frankly very sad that he has to resort to such antics."

Jackson has not responded. He is campaigning elsewhere in Virginia.

Les Smith Reports: Lt. Governor candidates go head-to-head

Les Smith Reports: New poll shows Virginia governor’s race is closer

Les Smith Reports: Washington Post poll shows Democrats leading all major races in Va.

Les Smith Reports: LIVE interview with E.W. Jackson

Les Smith Reports: Republicans, Democrats bring in the heavy hitters for governor’s race

Les Smith Reports: Robert Sarvis makes a run as the third-party choice

Les Smith Reports: Billions of your tax dollars at stake in Governor`s race

Les Smith Reports: Virginians footing the bill for McDonnell’s legal troubles

Les Smith Reports: New ODU poll shows McAuliffe with a slight lead

Les Smith Reports: Ralph Northam in the race for Lt. Governor

Les Smith Reports: Governor’s race is expensive – and annoying