US Midterms: Kemp, Abrams Spar in Final Debate
On Sunday, Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams conducted their second and final gubernatorial debate. Georgia has seen record-setting early voting ahead of Election Day on Nov. 8.
Facts
- On Sunday, Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams conducted their second and final gubernatorial debate. Georgia has seen record-setting early voting ahead of Election Day on Nov. 8.
- Abrams, who is running against Kemp for the second time, challenged the incumbent governor's anti-abortion and pro-gun policy stance and blamed him for high inflation and crime. Abrams stated that communities were in "turmoil" and that she wanted to "do better by Georgians."
- Kemp accused Abrams of attacking his policies because "she doesn't want to talk about her own record." Kemp also suggested that Abrams was part of the "defund the police" movement, an accusation that was denied by the Democratic candidate.
- Kemp stated that it wasn't his desire to "move the needle any further" on abortion restrictions but acknowledged a Republican legislature may make their own decision. Kemp also took credit for wage growth and low unemployment — claims that Abrams rebuked as not good enough for the state.
- Abrams is currently lagging in the polls, having lost to Kemp by 1.4% in 2018. More than 1.6M Georgians have already cast their ballots.
- Abrams has reaffirmed that she would respect and not question the outcome of the election, having taken over a week in 2018 to concede the election result to Kemp.
Sources: CNN, Axios, Politico, Independent, and Abc.
Narratives
- Democratic narrative, as provided by Atlanta Voice. As governor, Abrams would take care of all Georgians, creating more opportunities and economic security for all. These midterms are a historic opportunity to elect the US's first Black female governor, replacing Kemp with a powerful and effective leader who would ensure access to education, healthcare, and a better quality of life.
- Republican narrative, as provided by RedState. Abrams' bid for governor is in freefall. As hammered home by Kemp's campaign, she seems more comfortable in the national spotlight clinking glasses with liberal elites than working for the average Georgian citizen. Unless anything drastic changes, Kemp is in a good position to resoundingly defeat Abrams — again.
