Trump could lose this state and the GOP is concerned.
On Sunday, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., urged former President Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to mend their differences and concentrate on securing victory in Georgia for the upcoming general election in November.
This call for unity came after Trump criticized Kemp during a rally in Atlanta the previous night, calling him “the most disloyal guy” he had ever encountered. The former president’s remarks came in response to Kemp’s criticism of Trump’s public attacks on him.
During an appearance on Fox News, Graham emphasized the critical role Georgia will play in the presidential race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. He pointed out that Georgia is a pivotal state and argued that Kemp had been an effective governor, highlighting his achievements in reducing taxes and cutting regulations. Graham stressed that supporting Harris over Kemp would be illogical, suggesting that Kemp’s record should be a basis for supporting Republican unity rather than division.
Graham also highlighted the importance of overcoming internal conflicts within the party, stating, “If President Trump and Governor Kemp can resolve their differences, winning Georgia could significantly boost our path to securing 270 electoral votes. Conversely, losing Georgia could make for a challenging night.”
Trump’s criticism of Kemp was sharp and personal. During his rally, Trump described Kemp as disloyal and criticized his governance, suggesting that Georgia’s performance under Kemp was mediocre compared to its potential. Trump further implied that Kemp’s leadership was failing to meet expectations in various areas.
Kemp responded via social media, emphasizing his commitment to focusing on the upcoming election and saving the country from a potential Harris administration. He expressed frustration with Trump’s personal attacks, stating that his priority was to address issues of national significance rather than engaging in disputes within the Republican Party. Kemp urged Trump to redirect his efforts towards a unified Republican front, leaving personal grievances aside.
The tension between Trump and Kemp underscores the broader challenges facing the GOP as it seeks to consolidate its base and secure crucial states in the upcoming election.