This week on The Local Take, I reached out to Dr. William Boone from the Clark Atlanta University Political Science Department to talk about the results of the 2020 Election. For the first time since 1992, Georgia turned blue, delivering the state to President-Elect Joe Biden. Additionally, two senate run-off races in Georgia are receiving national attention due to the senate's balance of power. Dr. Boone, our go-to political expert, spoke with me about the current state of the election and what we can expect in the future.
I asked Dr. Boone about Georgia turning Blue, if this was a backlash against Trump or if the demographics were genuinely changing. He spoke about the percentages of democratic votes in the state that had been growing since 2008. In 2016 the rate was well in the mid 40 percent range. The demographics were changing in metro Atlanta and other metropolitan areas, including Augusta, Columbus, and Savannah. Stacey Abrams foray into Georgia's rural segments in her gubernatorial loss had also helped to push those areas towards blue. I asked about the upcoming senate race and if you could appeal to people's desire for government to work. Dr. Boone mentioned that voting often wasn't done by rational means. He spoke about run-offs depending on the candidate's "Get Out The Vote" efforts.
He spoke about Trumpism and the Republican party values since Reagan. I ask him about our country's education system, which has left many people exploited through conspiracy theories and disinformation. I asked about the 70 million Americans who have experienced the complete lack of leadership from the current President and voted for more. Dr. Boone spoke about failed leadership.
I asked about the Biden presidency if we didn't send two Democrats from Georgia. Dr. Boone mentioned Joe Biden's time in the senate and having the ability to bring people together.
We also spoke about the history-making election of Kamala Harris to the office of Vice President. She becomes the first woman, the first African-American, and the first Southeast Asian woman to ascend to this leadership level in our country.
For more information on Dr. William Boone
For more information on voting in the upcoming Senate Run-Off races