GOP Gathering in Georgia Reveals Conservative Unease with Trump

A recent conservative gathering in Georgia, hosted by radio personality Erick Erickson, has shed light on growing unease within the Republican Party regarding Donald Trump's influence and potential 2024 presidential bid. The event, which took place approximately 3 years and 8 months after Georgia backed Joe Biden for president, showcased a markedly different atmosphere compared to typical Trump rallies.

Attendees, ranging from everyday voters to high-profile Republicans, engaged in critical discussions about the GOP's trajectory under Trump's leadership. Notably absent were the iconic red "Make America Great Again" hats and enthusiastic promises of national rejuvenation.

Mike Pence, Trump's former vice president, addressed the audience, expressing his inability to support Trump's assertions about the 2020 election:

"I cannot endorse President Trump's continuing assertion that I should have put aside my oath to support the Constitution and act in a way that would have overturned the election."

This statement highlights the growing rift between Trump and some prominent Republicans, particularly concerning the events of January 6, 2021.

Brian Kemp, Georgia's governor, received a warm welcome from the crowd, despite recent criticism from Trump. Kemp emphasized the need for the party to focus on the future, stating:

"We're going to use our political operation to win Georgia despite past grievances."

The conference also addressed concerns about the GOP's shift towards isolationism and protectionism. This trend is particularly evident in the party's stance on U.S. aid to Ukraine and Trump's proposed tariffs for a potential second term. These positions mark a significant departure from traditional Republican foreign policy, which has historically supported a strong U.S. presence on the global stage.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader, warned against the resurgence of isolationist tendencies within the party. He drew parallels to the original "America First" movement of the 1930s, which waned after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. McConnell emphasized the importance of maintaining an assertive international presence, particularly in light of growing cooperation between nations like North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran.

The event also highlighted concerns about Trump's impact on recent Republican losses, particularly in Georgia. The state, once a reliable Republican stronghold, has become increasingly competitive in recent years. In 2020, Georgia not only backed Biden for president but also elected two Democratic U.S. senators, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape.

Some attendees, like Atlanta business owner Barton McMillan, expressed uncertainty about their voting intentions for the upcoming election. McMillan, who reluctantly voted for Trump in previous elections, now finds himself representative of a growing number of conservatives grappling with their support for the former president.

As the 2024 election approaches, the GOP faces the challenge of unifying its base while addressing the concerns of skeptical conservatives. The outcome of this internal struggle could have significant implications for Trump's chances in Georgia and other crucial swing states, potentially shaping the future direction of the Republican Party.