This actually went too far for Northam.
Had Fairfax lingered on - wounded, accused but denying - would have been getting heat off Northam.
Actual rape charges in another state (the NC law is no statute of limitations for forcible rape) means Fairfax will step down likely this weekend.
Then, exactly as you say, the appearance is the white guy got caught and the black guy took the fall. Northam will face even more pressure to go.
But he’s fairly clueless. It’s also a one term only state. He’s a doctor and seems more concerned with what his wife thinks. She’s thinking stay in and you’ll win folks back over with time and sufficient a** kissing/cash handouts to black leaders.
As it stands, resigning in disgrace. Would they even want to stay living in the state? Would their kids have to change their names?
So Northam might just ignore all the outcry and grind it out.
Sets up Republicans well for 2020.
Not 2020. 2019. Virginia elections are THIS November.