Former President Donald Trump has reopened a bitter feud with Georgia Republicans, particularly Governor Brian Kemp, a move that could have significant implications for the upcoming election. Just before rallying his supporters in Atlanta on Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Kemp for “fighting Unity and the Republican Party.”
Trump’s Attack on Brian Kemp
During his rally at the Georgia State University Convocation Center, Trump didn’t hold back. He called Kemp “a bad guy, a disloyal guy, and a very average governor.” This attack elicited boos from the crowd, showcasing the deep divisions within the Georgia Republican ranks.
Bobby Saparow, a Republican operative and Kemp’s former campaign manager, expressed bewilderment at Trump’s strategy. “Attacking the popular governor of a pivotal swing state makes zero sense,” Saparow told POLITICO. He emphasized the importance of unity and leveraging Kemp’s robust ground game operation, which Trump might need to secure Georgia in November.
Georgia Republicans React
The attack has left many Georgia Republicans unsettled. Erick Erickson, a prominent Georgia Republican and radio host, pointed out the potential damage of Trump’s strategy. “Over 30,000 people refused to vote for [Trump] in Georgia in 2020 and he lost by about 12,000 votes,” Erickson said. “All he’s doing is reminding everyone why they don’t like him.”
Eric Tanenblatt, a longtime Republican strategist, echoed these sentiments. He highlighted the crucial need for the Republican Party to look ahead and avoid dwelling on past elections. “With Georgia being a pivotal state, it’s crucial for the Republican Party to look ahead and avoid dwelling on past elections,” Tanenblatt noted.
Trump’s 2020 Election Focus
Trump’s focus on the 2020 election results and his criticism of Kemp has revived memories of how his claims about a stolen election contributed to Republican losses in the 2021 Senate runoffs. Democrats won two Senate seats in Georgia that January, a result widely attributed to dampened Republican turnout.
Following Trump’s rally, some Republicans expressed frustration. They believe that revisiting the 2020 election results and attacking fellow Republicans could harm the party’s unity and prospects in the upcoming election.
Kemp’s Response
In response to Trump’s comments, Governor Kemp emphasized his commitment to winning in November and saving the country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats. “My focus is on winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats — not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past,” Kemp stated.
Conclusion
Trump’s renewed attacks on Kemp and his continued focus on past grievances have left many Georgia Republicans perplexed and concerned about the party’s future. As the election approaches, the need for unity and forward-thinking strategies becomes increasingly critical for the GOP.
COMMENTS