Facing the Empty Podium: Keisha Lance Bottoms’ Sole Debate Appearance
On Monday, Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms engaged in a debate without her Republican rival. The absence was evident as she stood beside an empty podium, addressing questions one day before early voting commenced. Bottoms opened with a pointed remark, saying, “Rick Jackson is the first gubernatorial candidate not to stand here in 32 years. He would rather hide behind his billions than explain to you his record of making billions off the taxpayers of Georgia.”
The debate, held by the Atlanta Press Club’s Loudermilk-Young Debate Series, lasted less than 30 minutes. Two journalists posed questions to Bottoms, who participated alone after GOP nominee Rick Jackson declined the invitation due to a scheduling conflict. His campaign stated he was engaged in campaigning activities in Savannah, and Monday saw him touring Georgia cities such as Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, and Savannah before heading to Columbia County.
Jackson addressed his absence, commenting to reporters, “Out of probably 10,000 people I’ve talked to, not one of them has mentioned anything about a debate because that’s not important to the people.” Newsweek reached out to both campaigns but received no statement by Monday night.
Previous Engagement and Background
The candidates previously faced off on October 6 during a town hall organized by Atlanta News First, interacting with undecided voters. This town hall might mark their only encounter in the current race.
What’s at Stake in Georgia’s Governor Race?
The contest to succeed Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is term-limited, is shaping up to be highly competitive. Rick Jackson, founder of Jackson Healthcare, a medical staffing firm, presents himself as an outsider politically. In contrast, Bottoms, who served as Atlanta’s mayor from 2018 to 2022, was an adviser to former President Joe Biden.
Polling data from Decision Desk HQ indicates Jackson leading Bottoms 49 percent to 47 percent. A YouGov poll reveals a similarly tight race, placing Jackson at 45 percent and Bottoms at 44 percent, with nine percent undecided. The margin of error stood at plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.
Historical Implications and Campaign Rhetoric
Historically, Bottoms stands as a potential first Black woman governor in the U.S. should she win. Jackson has consistently criticized her mayoral tenure in Atlanta, stating on X, “Keisha nearly destroyed Atlanta. We aren’t going to let her destroy Georgia, but only with your vote.”
Former President Donald Trump plans a midterm campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, to advocate for Jackson and Republican Senate nominee Mike Collins. As early voting kicks off on Tuesday, Republicans aim to retain the governor’s office and secure their Senate majority ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.