Staff Reports
In a twist that could only happen in Republican politics, Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp found himself in an unusual tiff with none other than former President Donald Trump. During a recent rally in Atlanta, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to throw some pointed shade at Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The crux of Trump’s critique revolved around the 2020 election claims—an echo from a bell that just won’t stop ringing in certain circles—and the state of crime in Georgia.
Trump’s remarks highlighted Kemp’s lackluster performance in office, particularly when it comes to crime, which has seemingly spiraled out of control in Atlanta. The former president called for Kemp to “do his job” rather than engage in family squabbles and focus on the internal strife of the GOP. In what might be one of the classic examples of “pot calling the kettle black,” Trump accused Kemp of neglecting his own responsibilities while simultaneously demanding him to unify the party. Apparently, Trump forgot that his own endorsement of Kemp in 2018 gave the governor the push he needed to narrowly defeat the ever-polarizing Stacey Abrams.
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.
You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it. pic.twitter.com/m8y6CSuZKY
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) August 3, 2024
Kemp, no stranger to political maneuvering, couldn’t let Trump’s barrage go unchecked. He responded by telling Trump to concentrate on winning elections rather than throwing verbal grenades at fellow Republicans. His point was clear: while Trump dilly-dallied with old grievances and personal jabs, Kemp was laser-focused on the upcoming election and the real threats posed by the Democratic party—specifically, the likes of Kamala Harris and her comrades. Underneath the banter, Kemp revealed he isn’t interested in the petty disputes that the former president seems to relish.
As if this showdown wasn’t spicy enough, Republican Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns joined the fray, defending Kemp and emphasizing the valuable work they’ve done together. This support for the popular governor, who boasts a commendable approval rating of 62% in Georgia, left many wondering why Trump decided to challenge a political ally rather than rally behind him. One Republican strategist pointed out the sheer absurdity of Trump’s attack on Kemp, suggesting that rather than attacking a rising star of the party, Trump should be seeking collaborative efforts to further unite their base.
The ongoing feud has raised eyebrows among conservatives, leaving many scratching their heads in disbelief. While some may view Trump as a kingmaker, it appears he’s executed a blunder by antagonizing a governor who has proven to be effective in office. The question remains: will this head-scratching spat hinder the Republican chances in the critical upcoming elections, or will it simply blow over like so many other political dust-ups throughout history? One thing is for certain; Kemp has shown he’s not afraid to stand his ground when confronted, and the coming months will reveal how much political hay can be made from this unusual chapter in Georgia politics.
