Denied coveted speaking slots during televised prime-time programming, some of Georgia’s most prominent Republican lawmakers instead submitted videos that were played on social media during the convention pre-show.
U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler sang the praises of President Donald Trump in a video that aired Tuesday, and she said his successes include strengthening the economy and cracking down on illegal immigration.
“Thanks to his putting America first, Americans from all walks of life have been lifted up to new heights of prosperity and success,” Loeffler said. “And now President Trump is leading the great American comeback to continue our legacy of winning big.”
U.S. Sen. David Perdue’s video played during Monday’s pre-show. He urged Republicans to ensure the GOP retained control of the U.S. Senate to stop Democrats trying to “perpetuate a socialist agenda on our country.”
“They want to defund the police, abolish (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), open borders, sanctuary cities, socialized medicine and the Green New Deal,” Perdue said. “They want to take away our freedom.”
U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, one of Loeffler’s opponents in November, submitted a video that played during Wednesday’s pre-show. In it, Collins boasted of his long-standing reputation as a Trump defender and said it was important to re-elect the president this fall.
“He’s not only fought for our country; he’s fought for Georgia,” Collins said. “He’s fought for the values that we hold dear down here.”
Perdue’s video:
Collins’ video:
Shafer under fire for Loeffler omission
David Shafer, the chairman of the Georgia GOP, is facing criticism for neglecting to name U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler in announcing the state’s roll call vote for President Donald Trump on Monday.
Shafer gave a shoutout to Gov. Brian Kemp and U.S. Sen. David Perdue, but he omitted the newly appointed Loeffler. One reason it was closely scrutinized is because Loeffler is in a heated contest with a fellow Republican, U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, in November’s special election.
“I am totally in dismay on why in the world you would not mention our sitting U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler in your nomination,” GOP activist Jeanne Seaver wrote Shafer in an email, copying in dozens of other Republican grassroots leaders. “I would say this is totally bias, discriminatory and very embarrassing for the State of GA.”
Shafer responded that it was not an intentional slight, noting that he made “proud mention” of the state’s senior elected official and senior federal elected official.
“I also made mention of the Golden Isles and Lookout Mountain,” he added. “My apologies to the 10.69 million Georgians and countless places and landmarks I did not mention. They only gave me 30 seconds.”
Democrats say Trump, Republicans have failed on health care
Georgia Democrats say President Donald Trump, Gov. Brian Kemp and other top Republicans have cost voters their lives in the coronavirus pandemic by failing to come up with an effective strategy for fighting its spread.
The foundation for the failures came when state leaders refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, said Joyce Barlow, an Albany-based registered nurse and candidate for a Georgia House seat.
“Instead of taking action, Trump and Kemp have refused to create a real plan, and they’re just extending wishful thinking,” Barlow said.
Barlow said hospitals in Albany and parts of rural Georgia are still overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients and in need of personal protective equipment.
Electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris would ensure a better national response to the coronavirus and on health care overall, Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman Nikema Williams said.
“Unlike Trump, they want to build on Obamacare,” she said, “not tear it down.”
What to watch Thursday
President Donald Trump delivers his acceptance speech, laying out his vision for a second term in office. He will be introduced by his daughter Ivanka Trump. Also speaking: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the Rev. Franklin Graham.
