Former President Bill Clinton visited Albany, Georgia, on Monday, encouraging voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. This campaign appearance followed his address to churchgoers in Albany on Sunday, where he emphasized the importance of rallying behind Harris.
Clinton stated, “Uniting people and building, being repairers of the breach, as Isaiah says, those are the things that work. Blaming, dividing, demeaning — they get you a bunch of votes at election time, but they don’t work.”
Although Mount Zion Baptist Church was not completely full, a substantial audience greeted Clinton with a standing ovation. The crowd included many older individuals, along with some younger attendees.
Takisha Campbell expressed her appreciation for Clinton’s visit, noting its significance for southwest Georgia, particularly in encouraging young people to vote.
Georgia is viewed as a critical state in the presidential election, with Black voter turnout being potentially decisive for Democrats vying for the state’s 16 electoral votes. In the 2020 election, Democrat Joe Biden narrowly won Georgia, marking the first Democratic victory in the state since Clinton in 1992.
During his visit, Clinton reminisced about a time when politics were less contentious and criticized the current climate rife with misinformation. He cited a recent social media post by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene claiming that Democrats were responsible for Hurricane Helene.
Clinton highlighted Harris’ achievements, including her role in reducing insulin prices and her plans to support first-time homeowners, framing her as a catalyst for greater economic opportunity.
Attendee Regina Whearry reflected on how Clinton’s message could address the low voter turnout, especially among Black males in the area.
Clinton is seen by Democrats as a figure capable of energizing both rural and Black voters, although his influence might wane with a younger generation that may be less familiar with his presidency. He underscored the importance of the upcoming weeks in shaping voter decisions.
Polls indicate that Black registered voters have favorable opinions of Harris, despite some uncertainty about her potential impact on the country and their personal lives.
The historic significance of Albany, a focal point in the Civil Rights Movement, was also acknowledged during Clinton’s visit. He expressed a desire to travel to rural areas, reflecting on his background as the former governor of Arkansas.