Hung Cao’s recent comments regarding Tim Kaine in Thursday’s Daily Progress caught my attention. In what seems to be a rare visit to “Southern Virginia”—an area he likely views as anything south of Washington, D.C.—Cao described Senator Kaine as “weak” and suggested that Virginians are unfamiliar with him. This assertion overlooks the extensive public service history Kaine has held, from serving on the Richmond city council to his current role as U.S. senator.
It may be Cao who lacks a true understanding of Kaine. I recommend he takes the time to read “Walk Ride Paddle,” Kaine’s 2024 book. In it, Kaine shares his experiences during the long August break and other congressional recesses, detailing his journey walking 589 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, biking 328 miles along the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, and canoeing 348 miles from the James River’s headwaters to the Chesapeake Bay. The book reflects Kaine’s profound love for Virginia and showcases his resilience, whether he’s climbing peaks in scorching heat, enduring heavy rain, or encountering bears along the trail.
Kaine is clearly not a “weak” individual. The book portrays him as someone who fosters long-lasting friendships, remains committed to his wife of 40 years, Anne Holton, and their three adult children. His Christian faith drives him to advocate for racial justice, combat child poverty, and support women’s rights and veterans. Kaine is motivated to serve and seek solutions.
There’s a saying that goes, “You can’t live crooked and think straight, whether you’re a chauffeur or a chief of state.” Kaine exemplifies a life lived with integrity, consistently thinking and acting with moral clarity.