The race for Virginia’s Senate seat is heating up, and Republican nominee Hung Cao has become the center of a social media storm. The retired Navy captain, known for his conservative stance, sparked controversy during a televised debate with his Democratic opponent, Senator Tim Kaine. His comments about military recruitment, drag queens, and the need for “alpha males” in the armed forces have ignited passionate discussions online.
Hung Cao: A Military Man with Controversial Views
Cao, a decorated veteran with experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia, has made his military service a cornerstone of his campaign. However, his recent remarks have raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from those who see his views as outdated and offensive.
“Not the People We Want”: Cao’s Comments on Drag Queen Recruitment
At the heart of the controversy are Cao’s statements about the Navy’s now-defunct Digital Ambassador Pilot Program, which briefly included a drag queen among its participants. When pressed about his stance on the program, Cao didn’t hold back. “When you’re using a, you know, drag queen to recruit for the Navy, that’s not the people we want,” he declared, adding that the military needs “alpha males and alpha females who are going to rip out their own guts, eat them and ask for seconds.”
These remarks immediately went viral, with many condemning Cao’s language as homophobic and his views as out of touch with modern military values.
Social Media Erupts: Reactions to Cao’s “Alpha Male” Comments
The internet wasted no time in reacting to Cao’s statements. Hashtags like #HungCao and #AlphaMale quickly trended on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, with users expressing a range of emotions from outrage to amusement.
Republican Senate candidate Hung Cao speaks during a debate with Sen. Tim Kaine on Oct. 2, 2023.
Some social media users, identifying as veterans or active military personnel, pushed back against Cao’s generalizations. They argued that diversity and inclusivity are strengths, not weaknesses, in the armed forces, and that reducing military service to a caricature of hypermasculinity is harmful.
Others took a more satirical approach, poking fun at Cao’s “alpha male” rhetoric. Memes and jokes about eating guts and the perceived fragility of masculinity flooded social media feeds, highlighting the absurdity of Cao’s comments.
Cao Doubles Down: “I Just Said What Everyone Believes as Fact”
Despite the backlash, Cao has stood by his remarks. In a statement released after the debate, he said, “I just said what everyone believes as fact.” He later doubled down on his stance, reiterating that men and women who “rip out their own guts” are the ones who “are going to win wars. Not drag queens.”
His unapologetic response has only fueled the fire, with critics accusing him of using inflammatory rhetoric to appeal to a narrow base of voters.
What’s Next for Hung Cao?
It remains to be seen how Cao’s controversial comments will impact his campaign. While his message may resonate with some voters, his inflammatory language and outdated views could alienate others, particularly in a state like Virginia, which has become increasingly diverse and politically moderate.
The Virginia Senate race is one to watch closely, and Cao’s “alpha male” comments are sure to continue generating discussion and debate in the weeks leading up to the election.
