As Democrats debated in Atlanta Wednesday night, Republicans in Cobb County sought to show that Georgia remains a Republican stronghold that would throw its support behind Donald Trump.
“One of our future opponents is taking the stage down the road,” Marc Lotter, director of strategic communications for Trump’s 2020 campaign, said at a GOP debate watch party in Marietta. “They want to take your tax money so people in our country illegally can get free health care, free college. That’s not the way America works.”
Democrats have shown increasing strength in the Atlanta suburbs, suggesting that Georgia will be a swing state next year. But Trump supporters watching the debate Wednesday night said the state remains GOP country.
Photos: Democratic presidential candidates debate in Atlanta
Related: Impeachment hearings play lead role on Democratic debate stage
Related: Local Democrats gather to watch Atlanta presidential debate
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Credit: undefined
Tess Redding, who wore a Trump T-shirt and posed for a photo with a Trump cutout, said immigration policy is important to her. “I am an immigrant - legal,” the Philippines native said.
Others mentioned ongoing impeachment efforts.
“I’m not happy the Democrats are trying to take away my voice, my vote and my freedom with these illegitimate hearings,” said Wendy Harper.
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
A number of issues are important to Jacqueline Tseng, but she boiled it down to one.
“The overreaching issue I’m fighting is socialism,” the 7th District Congressional candidate said. “My family and I escaped the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge. I lived through the evils of socialism and the tyranny of Communism.”
Debate recap: Georgia leaders, issues come up late in debate
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Although the debate started at 9 p.m. Marisa James arrived at 5 p.m. to snag a front-row seat, but she wasn’t sure she’d stay until the end: “I literally can never watch a full debate because I get so disgusted.”
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