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Political Rewind: Trump says 'something stinks in Georgia;' Grand jury to look into 2020 elections
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The panel:
Patricia Murphy — Politics reporter & columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Andra Gillespie — Professor of political science & director, James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference, Emory University
Donna Lowry — Host, GPB-TV’s Lawmakers
The breakdown:
1. Trump bashes Georgia Republicans.
- Trump promoted an essay by a far-right commentator falsely alleging election fraud in Georgia.
- Unfounded claims of election fraud generally undermine faith in election systems.
- But Emory University professor Andra Gillespie pointed out that people may be less likely to believe lies of voter fraud when a candidate loses by a large margin.
- False claims of election fraud do not "pack the same punch" as they used to, Atlanta Journal-Constitution politics reporter Patricia Murphy said. She said Republican voters are growing tired of "election fraud" lies.
2. Democrats embrace a united party in Georgia.
- Democrats are trying to balance embracing progressive ideals without alienating moderate voters.
- Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams has been framed as more progressive than the first time she ran.
- Republicans are pushing the idea that she is progressive and wants national office.
- Democrats are embracing unity up and down the ticket, and released their first united ad.
3. Supreme Court decisions expected this month.
- Supreme Court decisions announced in June could impact Georgia elections.
- Rulings on abortion access and gun safety are expected.
- Candidates in Georgia will likely solidify their stances on issues before the decisions, and use them in elections.
4. Herschel Walker distances himself from Trump.
- U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker appears to be distancing himself from Trump in recent media appearances.
- His decision comes after most Trump-backed candidates for statewide office lost in primary elections.
- Walker has faced criticism for his interview answers on important topics.
- Killer Mike, who interviewed him, was also criticized for giving him easy questions.
5. Grand jury for Trump probe set to meet Thursday.
- Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Attorney General Chris Carr and other top Georgia officials will testify.
- Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is a meticulous prosecutor, and a decision from the jury is not expected immediately.
- The decision may come during the general elections.
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