The Danger of Rage-Fueled Politics: Spanberger's Divisive Rhetoric Threatens Virginia

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A Disturbing Pattern of Inflammatory Language

Virginia Democrat gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has repeatedly urged her supporters to “let your rage fuel you” when discussing Republicans. This phrase, first spoken at a June campaign event, has resurfaced amid a wave of political violence—including a death threat against Virginia Delegate Kim Taylor.

Taylor, who represents Petersburg in the Virginia House of Delegates, received a politically motivated death threat via text message. Authorities arrested Michael Ray Strawmyer, 33, and charged him with making the threat. The incident came just two weeks after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

“Just recently, a candidate for statewide office encouraged supporters to ‘let your rage fuel you’ when talking about Republicans,” Taylor stated. “Words like these have consequences, and my family felt them firsthand.”

When Politicians Choose Division Over Unity

Spanberger’s campaign claims her words were taken out of context. Yet she continues using this phrase on the campaign trail. At the original June event, she recounted advice from her mother: “Let your rage fuel you.” She then told supporters to embrace this mindset every time they hear news they dislike.

“Every time we hear a new story, we let it fuel us,” Spanberger said. “Every time we turn on the news, we let it fuel us. Every time something bad is happening, we say, ‘Oh, that’s motivation.'”

Her Republican opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, condemned this rhetoric following the attack on Delegate Taylor. “Rage. That’s what Abigail Spanberger is calling for,” Earle-Sears wrote. “We’ve seen it with racist signs, cruel jeers, even cheering a father’s assassination for daring to disagree.”

What Scripture Teaches About Anger and Politics

From a Christian worldview, Spanberger’s approach contradicts biblical principles for engagement. Scripture provides clear guidance on how believers should handle anger and political discourse.

Anger Must Be Controlled, Not Cultivated

The Bible acknowledges anger as a human emotion but warns against allowing it to control us. “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Deliberately stoking rage gives the enemy exactly what he desires—division, hatred, and destruction.

James 1:19-20 instructs believers: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Political engagement that weaponizes rage cannot produce godly outcomes.

Soft Answers, Not Inflammatory Words

Proverbs 15:1 teaches, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Leaders bear responsibility for the tone they set. When politicians deliberately inflame passions rather than promote understanding, they abandon their God-ordained duty to pursue justice and peace.

The Pattern of Recent Political Violence

Spanberger’s rhetoric exists within a troubling context of escalating violence against conservatives:

The 2017 Congressional Baseball shooting that nearly killed Rep. Steve Scalise
Multiple assassination attempts against President Donald Trump
The murder of Charlie Kirk
Death threats against delegates like Kim Taylor

Each incident followed periods of heated, rage-filled rhetoric from political leaders and media figures. While individuals bear responsibility for their actions, leaders must acknowledge how inflammatory language contributes to a climate where violence feels justified.

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Spanberger’s Non-Apology

After the death threat against Taylor, Spanberger issued a statement saying she was “horrified” and condemned the threat. Yet she refused to acknowledge any connection between her rhetoric and the hostile political environment.

Her campaign claimed she uses the phrase to “encourage supporters to write postcards and knock doors.” This explanation rings hollow when paired with repeated references to rage as a motivating force.

Delegate Taylor rejected this excuse. “Spanberger told supporters to ‘let your rage fuel you’ and now she wants to pretend she didn’t mean it,” Taylor wrote. “Sorry, Abigail, you don’t get to walk it back.”

Constitutional Principles Require Better Leadership

The Founders understood that self-governance requires virtue. John Adams famously wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” A free society cannot survive when leaders deliberately cultivate anger rather than wisdom.

The Constitution establishes mechanisms for peaceful resolution of disputes—elections, courts, legislative debate. These systems work only when citizens and leaders commit to resolving differences through reason rather than rage.

Spanberger’s approach undermines these foundations. She pits Virginians against one another based on political affiliation. She frames policy disagreements as reasons for fury rather than opportunities for persuasion.

What Virginia Needs Instead

Virginia deserves leadership that brings people together around shared values and common goals. The state’s motto—”Virginia is for lovers”—reflects a commitment to unity, not division.

Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears offers this alternative vision. “I’m asking for love,” she said in response to Spanberger’s rage rhetoric. “Love for our neighbors and our Commonwealth because Virginia is for lovers, not rage.”

This approach aligns with biblical teaching. Christians engage in politics not to defeat enemies but to serve neighbors. We speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We seek justice while showing mercy (Micah 6:8). We defend our convictions without demonizing those who disagree.

Moving Forward: A Call to Christian Voters

Virginia Christians face a clear choice in this election. Will we reward politicians who stoke division, or will we support leaders who pursue unity?

Examine the Fruit

Jesus taught, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). What fruit has Spanberger’s rhetoric produced? Death threats. Increased hostility. A climate where political opponents face violence rather than vigorous but peaceful debate.

Vote Your Convictions

Christians should vote for candidates who demonstrate wisdom, temperance, and respect for human dignity. We should reject those who deliberately inflame anger for political advantage.

Pray for Leaders

First Timothy 2:1-2 commands believers to pray for all in authority. Pray that God would raise up righteous leaders. Pray that He would convict those currently in power who use destructive rhetoric. Pray for protection of those facing threats.

Speak Truth

Share this information with fellow believers and neighbors. Many Virginians remain unaware of Spanberger’s pattern of divisive language. Christians have a responsibility to inform voters about candidates’ character and conduct.

The Biblical Standard for Political Engagement

Politics should reflect God’s justice and uphold human dignity. It exists to promote righteousness and preserve liberty. When politicians instead weaponize rage and pit citizens against one another, they betray their calling.

Delegate Taylor’s experience shows the real consequences of inflammatory rhetoric. Her daughter was in tears. Her family lives in fear. These are not abstract political points—they represent genuine harm to real people.

Spanberger has disqualified herself from leadership through her choice to cultivate anger rather than promote understanding. Virginia needs a governor who will unite rather than divide, who will lead with wisdom rather than rage.

The choice is clear. Christians must stand for leaders who honor biblical principles and constitutional values. We must reject those who choose division over unity, rage over reason, and political advantage over the common good.

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