President Joe Biden and Republican contender Donald Trump are set to campaign in Georgia, marking the first major clash of the 2024 election cycle.
Georgia, a pivotal battleground state, witnessed a contentious 2020 election, with Biden prevailing and Trump contesting the outcome with baseless claims of fraud, which led to criminal charges against him.
Trump aims to secure his party’s nomination in Georgia’s upcoming primaries, alongside Hawaii, Mississippi, and Washington state. Biden, on the other hand, delivered a State of the Union address critiquing Trump’s actions, accusing him of undermining democracy and aligning with Russia, while also advocating for bipartisan immigration reform.
However, Biden faces dissent within his party due to his unwavering support for Israel during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Some groups in Georgia have launched a campaign urging voters to abstain from voting for Biden in the primaries, hoping to send a message to the administration regarding its stance on Israel.
Similar actions were observed in other primary elections, where discontent over Biden’s handling of the Gaza conflict prompted voters to choose “uncommitted” options, raising concerns among Democrats about potential voter apathy in the general election.
Trump’s campaign rally is scheduled in Rome, Georgia, within the district of outspoken Trump ally, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Meanwhile, Biden plans an event in Atlanta, focusing on the growing and diversifying suburbs crucial for Democratic success in the state.
Democrats fear losing Georgia in 2024, given the narrow margin by which Biden won in 2020. Despite assertions from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger about the election’s legitimacy, Trump and his allies face allegations of election manipulation and disruption.
Legal proceedings regarding Trump’s alleged involvement in election interference are underway in Georgia. Prosecutors aim to start the trial before the election, although the timing remains uncertain.
