Special Poll
Trump and Kemp’s Feud in Georgia
- Trump’s Attack on Kemp: Former President Donald Trump reignited his feud with Georgia’s Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Just before a rally in Atlanta, Trump criticized Kemp on Truth Social for “fighting Unity and the Republican Party.”
- Rally Comments: During his speech at the Georgia State University Convocation Center, Trump intensified his criticism, calling Kemp a “bad guy,” “disloyal,” and “a very average governor,” which elicited boos from the crowd.
- Republican Concerns: This attack unsettled Georgia Republicans. Bobby Saparow, a Republican operative and Kemp’s former campaign manager, expressed confusion over Trump’s strategy, highlighting Kemp’s popularity and importance in the upcoming election.
- Electoral Implications: Erick Erickson, a Georgia Republican and radio host, warned that Trump’s comments could hurt his prospects in Georgia, a pivotal swing state. He pointed out that Trump lost Georgia by about 12,000 votes in 2020 and criticized his lack of a ground game in the state.
- 2020 Election Impact: Many Republicans believe Trump’s focus on the 2020 election contributed to the party’s losses in the 2021 Senate runoffs in Georgia. His false claims about a stolen election were seen as dampening Republican turnout, leading to Democratic victories in two Senate seats.
- Call for Unity: Following the rally, Eric Tanenblatt, a longtime Republican strategist, emphasized the need for the Republican Party to focus on future elections rather than dwelling on the past. He stressed that unity and forward-looking policies are crucial for success in upcoming elections.
By targeting Kemp, Trump risks alienating a key ally in a state critical to Republican success, highlighting internal GOP tensions and the need for a unified strategy moving forward.