[SeaHawkFan]

This would have been avoided if McAuliffe had consulted with the Republicans in advance.

Presiding over a famous trial does not in itself say anything about her competency. After all, Judge Ito presided over the O.J. Simpson trial and no one is claiming he was competent.

[FoxInSocks]

This would have been avoided if McAuliffe had consulted with the Republicans in advance.

I considered that. I don't know if that's the normal practice, but yes, it strikes me as a generally courteous thing to do.

Presiding over a famous trial does not in itself say anything about her competency.

I am not basing my opinions on the Malvo trial. That was merely a side note relating to a case most people have heard of.