in our schools. >> reporter: reality check, critical race theory is not part of virginia's standards of learning, but he knows it's an animating issue for the gop base still loyal to donald trump, but youngkin is wary of alienating independent voters. is this a republican playbook that other gop candidates can use going forward in blue states? >> i really haven't thought about anything beyond virginia. it felt like there was a different way to run a campaign. >> reporter: keeping trump's voters on board, but the man himself at a comfortable distance is the name of the game for youngkin in blue virginia. the former president is expected to participate in a rally here on monday. >> i haven't been involved. the teams are talking. >> reporter: i'm sure they'd love to have you. would you like to be there? >> i'm not going to be engaged in the te will he town hall. we have more people helping us than you can believe. >> reporter: in response, terry mcauliffe told cnn's dan merica. >> this isn't about trump. >> reporter: unusual from the candidate who made tying