Democrats Rally for Abrams

Leading up to election day Tuesday, Nov. 6, Stacey Abrams had an entourage of celebrities supporting her. Oprah Winfrey made an appearance on her behalf at two town hall meetings in Marietta and Decatur on Nov. 1.

Despite questions about Oprah’s reasons for supporting Abrams, such as their similarities growing up in Mississippi and being this generation’s women of power, Winfrey made her endorsement of Abrams very clear. “I paid to come here myself, and I approved this message,” Winfrey said. “I am here today because Stacey Abrams cares about the things that matter.”

Abrams says she is committed to making housing more affordable, creating high-quality educational opportunities for all children, enforcing anti-discrimination laws, enforcing gun-safety laws, providing affordable healthcare and advancing criminal justice reform.

Former President Barack Obama campaigned on behalf of Abrams at Morehouse College in Atlanta on Nov. 2, saying, “Next Tuesday is one of the most important elections in our lives.” Obama said his endorsement was partly because he believes “Stacey Abrams can make a difference. … You know who will fight for you? Stacey Abrams!”

Obama disputed Republicans on several issues such as economy, health care and immigration. “Republicans, they keep trying to diminish Stacey’s remarkable achievements. She’s the most experienced, most qualified candidate in this race,” he said.

Several high-profile speakers joined Obama in his endorsement of Abrams, including former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and U.S. Congressman John Lewis. “Let’s go to the polls like you’ve never voted before!” Lewis said. He had the crowd chanting: “Vote! Vote! Vote!”

Among the speakers were several celebrities present to show their support: Actor Chris Tucker, musicians Jermaine Dupri and 2 Chainz, basketball star Charles Barkley, Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Sarah Riggs Amico and civil rights activist C.T. Vivian.

Abrams, who could become both the state’s first female and the country’s first black female governor, represents a reality of life in Georgia and Atlanta as a city at the heart of the civil rights movement.

Abrams recently spoke at a rally in Macon about the role her identity must serve as the state’s next governor.

“I don’t want anyone to elect me because I’m black, and I don’t need anyone to pick my name because I’m a woman,” The Washington Post reported her saying. “But I need you to know that because I’m a black woman, I understand the barriers to opportunity in the state of Georgia. Because I’m a black woman, I understand how hard you have to work sometimes to get as far as you can. And because I’m a black woman, I know that when I make history, I make history with you.”