Politics
Politics

A reminder of Trump’s strength at Atlanta conference featuring his rivals

By
Aug 19, 2023

The Gathering is a bastion for conservatives seeking a Donald Trump alternative.

Six of his rivals addressed the conference to cheers from hundreds of conservatives and Erick Erickson, the Atlanta event’s organizer, said he hoped not to utter the former president’s name throughout the weekend.

Which helps explain the hush over the room as Brent Buchanan, a pollster with Cygnal, presented a poll of likely Georgia GOP voters commissioned by Gov. Brian Kemp’s PAC.

It showed Trump leading the primary field with 53% of the vote, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (15%), business executive Vivek Ramaswamy (6%) and former Vice President Mike Pence (5%). Others polled within the margin of error.

- Live updates: Latest from The Gathering

About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

Follow Greg Bluestein on facebookFollow Greg Bluestein on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's last day in office will be Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Credit: AP

Marjorie Taylor Greene is leaving for now, but never say never

In an interview with the AJC, the Rome Republican reflects on her five years in office and a very public split with President Donald Trump.

Retired lawmaker, dentist face off in Georgia Senate special election runoff

Jaha Howard and Roger Bruce go head-to-head in a runoff next week after being the two top vote-getters in last month’s six-way special Senate election.

2h ago
OPINION

AI is coming for your kids and votes. Georgia should act now.

Georgians need safeguards from AI-generated campaign ads, chatbots, and misinformation. The biggest hurdle for states may be President Donald Trump.

The Latest

Georgia's iconic Gold Dome. (Bob Andres/AJC)

Retired lawmaker, dentist face off in Georgia Senate special election runoff

2h ago
OPINION

AI is coming for your kids and votes. Georgia should act now.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is leaving for now, but never say never

Featured

Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Georgia districts forge their own way as troubled program faces a crossroads

School districts are dropping out of GNETS to serve students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.

Ex-Truett McConnell VP indicted in case tied to sex abuse probe

A White County grand jury has indicted a former Truett McConnell University vice president, accusing him of lying to a county sheriff investigator.

Dickens asks top donors for $250K to help fund inauguration events

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is soliciting up to $250,000 from top donors to sponsor three days of events celebrating his second-term inauguration.