'Really nuts': Observers bash MAGA gubernatorial candidate over 'discrimination' claim

Winsome Earle-Sears, a MAGA-aligned candidate for the Virginia governor's office, claimed during a debate on Thursday that prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying is not "discrimination," a claim that observers quickly bashed online.

Earle-Sears debated her Democratic opponent, Abigail Spanberger, on Thursday night. It was the first debate for either candidate since reporters uncovered violent texts from Jay Jones, a Democratic candidate for Virginia Attorney General. The Hill reported that Earle-Sears gave an "aggressive" performance, and LGBTQ+ rights were a flash point of the debate.

"My opponent has said that she thinks gay couples should not be allowed to marry," Spanberger began.

"That's not discrimination!" Earle-Sears shot back.

Observers shared their thoughts about the exchange on social media.

"That is, in fact, discrimination," Spanberger posted on X.

"Wow @WinsomeSears is really nuts," political commentator Keith Olbermann posted on X.

"Oh so it’s over over," Democratic analyst Conor Rogers posted on X.

"Pretty shocking moment from Sears," Kevin Donaghue of the Democratic Governors Association posted on X.

"Parks and Rec was a documentary," Jake Cooke, chair of the Blue Ridge Young Democrats, posted on X.