Staff Reports
In a recent survey from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Donald Trump is showing strength in Georgia, leading Vice President Kamala Harris 47% to 44%. With 7% of voters still undecided, it puts the self-proclaimed “first female Vice President” within a mere 3.1% margin of error. This result comes as no great surprise in a state that has been a hotbed of political drama in recent years.
Georgia, a swing state wrapped in the liberal embrace of Atlanta, has seen its share of political gymnastics. Trump snagged the Peach State in 2016, only to watch Joe Biden tiptoe in during the 2020 election. But it seems that Trump is gaining momentum once again, despite hiccups with the state’s Governor Brian Kemp. While some panicked party members fretted over frustration between the two men, it appears they recently settled their differences, all for the sake of harmony—or perhaps just for re-election.
Former President Trump has opened up a lead of 3 percentage points over Kamala Harris in the crucial battleground state of Georgia in the race for president, a poll by The Atlanta-Journal Constitution/University of Georgia released Wednesday found – pic.twitter.com/KS6EQugsfr
— Blanche Victoria (@tammytabby) September 19, 2024
The feud between Trump and Kemp brewed like a pot of sweet tea left to boil for too long. It began ages ago when Kemp refused to take Trump’s side about his loss in Georgia during the 2020 election, a choice that came back to haunt him. This month, Trump fired some jabs at Kemp following unflattering comments from the governor’s wife. In a classic case of political one-upmanship, Kemp retaliated, raising eyebrows and causing a whirlwind of concern among Republicans from all corners. However, efforts led by top Republican figures, including the ever-ambitious Lindsey Graham, smoothed over the ruffled feathers, proving that even rivalries can be mended in the quest for political gain.
As the dust settles, Kemp surprisingly entertains the thought of joining Trump at a campaign rally. This sudden show of unity might just re-energize the Republican base in Georgia, potentially enticing undecided voters and loosening the grip of Harris’s campaign in the state.
Meanwhile, Harris is pouring resources into her effort, mobilizing an army of 400,000 volunteers and 174 staffers as well as opening a multitude of campaign offices. To make her presence known, she’s taking to the road with a bus tour alongside her partner in governance, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Following an unfavorable polling period for Biden, it seems Harris is desperate to close the gap and is focusing her efforts on the young and independent voters who have increasingly turned away from the Democratic agenda.
The Cook Political Report, which adjusted its rating from “lean Republican” to a nail-biting “toss-up,” certainly doesn’t help Harris’ cause. Historically, younger voters are seen as more liberal, but if the enthusiasm and energy surrounding Trump continue to rise, that trend may very well backfire for the Harris campaign. The University of Georgia conducted the survey from September 9-15, polling 1,000 likely voters—a demographic that will undoubtedly play a significant role in the upcoming election.
