Georgians awoke Wednesday to Trump World, starring Donald J. Trump as president-elect, after a bruising campaign against Hillary Clinton. Here’s how some prominent Peach Staters reacted:
Herman Cain, a 2012 GOP candidate for president, said Trump’s lack of political experience was a plus with many voters.
“He doesn’t owe anyone anything, and that appealed to a lot of people,” Cain said Wednesday morning in a Fox News interview.
Cain, a talk show host on WSB Radio and an early Trump backer, was a bit evasive when asked if he wanted a job in the Trump administration. Cain is the former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza.
“I’m not looking for a job,” he said. “I would consider it, but I’m not looking for a job.”
Cain, on Trump’s victory, added, “I’m jubilant, but I’m more relieved.”
U.S. Sen. David Perdue, who steadfastly supported Trump, shared the president-elect’s outsider creed.
“The American people sent a strong message, and it is past time for Washington to listen. I hope the political class in Washington will learn the right lessons from this latest election. There is a growing movement of people who are more motivated by their frustration with the lack of results coming from Washington than their own political ideology.”
Georgia Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, who opposed Trump’s candidacy over its alienation of African-Americans, Hispanics and others.
“It’s a clear message that the American people are fed up with gridlcock and stagnation in D.C. They want the federal government to get the j ob done for the American people. You’ve got to give Trump credit; he did it his way. Now I hope and pray he’ll get good, wise, competent folks around him (and) we can start the healing process for our country because we desperately need it.”
Kerwin Swint, a political scientist at Kennesaw State University said Trump’s win is a boost for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
“Gingrich definitely comes out a big winner, along with (U.S. Sen.) David Perdue,” Swint said in an email. “Gingrich will be in line for Secretary of State. The Trump leadership team will be filled out in the coming weeks, and Georgia Republicans will play a significant role, both behind the scenes and on the stage. Amazing times.”
