Warnock’s victory represents more than political arithmetic games. In many ways, Georgia embodies America’s complicated identity. In 2020, the diverse state was the focus of conspiracy theories by Trump, who to this day has not recognized Biden’s victory and has again applied for the presidential candidacy.
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The rather left-wing capital of Atlanta, which is also home to many German companies, is framed by republican counties. Like many southern states, Georgia struggles with racism, poor health care, structural weaknesses and poverty.
Warnock has established himself as a Democrat who pushes for social justice while also appealing to some conservative voters through his religious roots. In the Senate, he sometimes works with right-wing hardliners, especially on business-oriented initiatives.
Warnock to equalize the Buy American course
Warnock is also pushing for a balance in the transatlantic dispute over Biden’s “Buy American” course. The USA wants to introduce billions in e-car subsidies in a few weeks at the expense of foreign manufacturers. A legislative initiative, which was prepared under the leadership of Warnock, provides for a grace period. Among other things, it would make it easier for German manufacturers to adapt to the new requirements.
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Warnock grew up in the coastal town of Savannah, in modest circumstances and with eleven siblings. His father was a pastor who made some money on the side as a scrap dealer, Warnock wrote in his memoirs. As a child, his mother “picked the cotton and tobacco from the rich”.
Warnock preached his first sermon at age 11, later leading Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church — once led by black civil rights icon Martin Luther King.
Those who accompanied Warnock in the election campaign felt the closeness to the people that he learned as a preacher. Before Midterms, he performed in the small town of Dalton, about a 90-minute drive north of Atlanta. The place calls itself the “world capital of carpet production” because floor coverings are manufactured in countless flat-roof factories.
Democrats improve starting conditions for presidential elections in 2024
But the future is here too: The solar manufacturer Q-Cells recently opened a plant, also on the initiative of Warnock’s comrade-in-arms Jon Ossoff, who also represents the Democrats in the US Senate.
“One thing I learned as a pastor,” Warnock said in Dalton. “You can’t lead people if you don’t love people. And you can’t love people if you don’t know and respect them.”
In general, the Democrats in Georgia were united and attracted three times as much donation money as the Republicans. With Warnock, the Democrats are now entering the 2024 presidential election with good starting conditions.
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