Staff Reports
Eric, a college professor and conservative voter, is deeply troubled by the possibility of Donald Trump running for president again in 2024. Sitting in his cozy home in Milledgeville, Georgia, Eric expresses his concerns about Trump’s behavior since losing the 2020 election. He believes that Trump has become consumed with regaining power and destroying anyone who impedes his political ambitions. As a conservative himself, Eric finds it hard to believe that Trump would genuinely fight for conservative ideas or prioritize the well-being of the country.
Eric is not alone in his discontent. Across the country, nearly 1 in 6 voters express a desire for neither President Joe Biden nor Trump in the White House, amounting to approximately 23 million people. Georgia, in particular, has become a political battleground, with the state supporting Biden in the 2020 election and electing Democratic senators in special elections. However, Eric and others like him are disappointed that Trump seems poised to secure the nomination for Republicans in 2024, over potentially stronger candidates like Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Gov. Nikki Haley.
The article explores the reasons behind Georgia’s political shift, attributing it to changing demographics and the influx of professionals with more liberal political leanings. Companies and government agencies employing these new residents have contributed to a less conservative political landscape. Despite this, Republicans still hold all statewide offices and control both chambers of the state legislature.
The author takes a journey through Georgia’s swing counties to better understand the sentiment of “Double Disapprovers” – those who are dissatisfied with both Biden and Trump. They find that Trump’s actions following the 2020 election have turned some voters away from him, such as Mary, an African American woman who was previously a Trump supporter but now sees Biden as a more caring and stable choice. Similarly, Frank, an independent voter, rejects Trump due to the divisiveness he perceives in the former president’s approach.
However, Biden is also losing support, even from traditional Democrats. Joseph, a veteran, expresses disappointment in Biden’s demeanor and believes he lacks the character and attitude of past Democratic presidents like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Other voters feel that Biden has not lived up to his promises of unity and bipartisanship, further disillusioning them.
The article also explores the potential impact of African American voters on future elections. Gabriel, a biracial young man, notes that the African American community is becoming more aware of the Democratic Party’s failures to help them and acknowledges the positive actions Trump took while in office. Other voters interviewed express doubts about the ability of Democrats to uphold their interests while prioritizing other voting blocs, like women.
The article ends by highlighting the desire for love and unity, as opposed to the anger and divide that currently exist in politics. However, it acknowledges that the choice between Trump and Biden in the next election is still likely to be unpalatable for many. Despite Eric’s reservations about Trump, he remains steadfast in his preference for him over Biden. This sentiment, combined with a potentially decreased nonwhite vote and disengaged Democratic base, makes Georgia’s swing counties fertile ground for Trump’s candidacy.
