Former Virginia Governors Discuss Founding Fathers' Influence at Regent University Series
Four former Virginia governors—Douglas Wilder, George Allen, Bob McDonnell, and Ralph Northam—convened at Regent University in Virginia Beach for the Executive Leadership Series titled 'America at 250: Lessons of the Founders.' The event, held at The Founders Inn and Spa, focused on how the nation's Founding Fathers and the U.S. Constitution influenced their leadership. Gordon Robertson, president of the Christian Broadcasting Network, highlighted the rare bipartisan gathering of two Democrats and two Republicans. Each former governor reflected on a specific founder or constitutional principle. Douglas Wilder, the nation's first elected Black governor, emphasized the Declaration of Independence's phrase 'all men are created equal.' George Allen praised Thomas Jefferson's vision of wise and frugal government. Bob McDonnell discussed the importance of compromise for the common good, drawing parallels to the Constitution's drafting. Ralph Northam, a physician, spoke about the necessity of building relationshi...
