ATHENS, Ga.—At former football star Herschel Walker’s political rally, the Heisman Trophy winner bartered gridiron fame for political momentum.
Around 90 people who straddled the line between “fan” and “supporter” attended the rally, some wearing football jerseys with gameday makeup. Several said they planned to attend the University of Georgia football game after the rally.
“We’re not doing autographs, only photos,” a campaign official reminded the long line of supporters gathering after the event.
Running for the Endzone
Besides Walker, Georgia Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Burt Jones, candidate for agricultural commissioner Tyler Harper, and House representative candidate Mike Collins appeared at the event. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) also appeared, emphasizing how Walker’s election could flip the Senate to Republican leadership.“Here’s the way it works. Chuck Schumer designs everything we vote on right now,” said Scott. “It’s up to you got to get out and vote.”
But overall, the rally seemed as much about “game day” as “election day.” The cheers about the game against Tennessee were sometimes louder than the cheers for political talking points.
Walker’s event highlighted football even from the opening prayer.
“We lift up our Bulldogs today. We pray that you would keep them safe on the field,” a campaign leader said. The prayer for the Bulldogs came after prayers for Walker’s campaign.
“I don’t want to answer all these questions [about policies],” said Damien, one Walker fan with game day facepaint. “I’m just here to support Herschel and the ‘Dogs.”
Apart from a few references to his football career, which began at the University of Georgia, Walker focused firmly on politics.
“I am sick and tired of people mistreating us, and now we need somebody to go to Washington [to] speak for us,” he said.
A charismatic speaker, Walker captured the crowd’s attention with a mix of conviction, facts, and humor.
Dropped Balls or Touchdowns?
Walker was compelling—even with a laundry list of scandals ranging from shooting threats against his ex-wife to accusations that he had paid for an abortion for a former girlfriend.Some voters at the event didn’t believe the accusations against him. Others said getting a Republican into the Senate was more important than the scandals.
“We’re all sinners. And it’s a combination of lies, mischaracterizations, and old news,” said Mark, a voter who declined to give his full name.
Walker was quick to mention Warnock’s scandals. The senator’s church stands accused of evicting poor apartment owners over minuscule amounts of late rent.
Walker urged voters to get their friends to the polls for the election, which pollsters call a tossup.
“If you don’t have any friends, make some friends,” he said.
The Tennessee versus Georgia college football game Saturday may have a huge impact on the election, according to Georgia resident and University of Georgia student Mackenzie Bosworth.
The Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers have a hundred-year-old football rivalry. This weekend, Georgia’s conservative football fans will likely recall that one of Georgia’s greatest football players faces a close election.
“It brings a lot of fans out who typically vote Republican,” she said. “Among the football fans are Republicans, so he definitely hits it off of them, and they just eat it up.”
“We need the Senate to get the balance of power. It balances the Democrats,” said Sam Riddle, a Georgia resident.
Mark added that the economy, illegal immigration, and social issues were his main concern during this election.
“The economy affects everything,” he said. “Energy prices are what’s driving inflation, which in turn is driving everything in the economy. And border control is a big issue. Since Biden has been in office, there have been more than 5 million illegal crossings.”
In yet another indication that the election will be close, some Walker voters said that several of their friends plan to vote for Warnock.
