Atlanta

Help or hurt? Trump endorses Walker during presidential run announcement

ATLANTA — Republican Herschel Walker was back on the campaign trail in metro Atlanta Wednesday, just a day after former President Donald Trump endorsed him again during his own speech to announce his candidacy for president.

Political experts told Channel 2′s Richard Elliot that they believe Trump could help him solidify the far-right vote and get them to the polls.

But at the same time, Trump’s presence could also energize Democrats and Independents to get to the polls, too.

Former Arkansas governor and Conservative commentator Mike Huckabee introduced Walker to small but energetic crowd at a rally in McDonough Wednesday.

Just a day earlier, Trump announced he would run for president again and included an enthusiastic endorsement of Walker.

“We must all work very hard for a gentleman and a great person named Herschel Walker. A fabulous human being who loves our country and will be a great United States senator,” Trump said.

But with Trump comes issues in Georgia.

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While still popular in rural sections, his endorsed candidates didn’t fare well here with his adversaries Brian Kemp and Brad Raffensperger both winning their elections easily.

Political analyst Fred Hicks said Trump is a double-edged sword who can energize both Republicans and Democrats, but he also thinks Trump helps Walker turn out voters.

“This can be very helpful to Herschel Walker in that it ensures that there’s a group, a block of voters who are going to come back and vote in this election, and they’re going to vote for him,” Hicks said.

Walker’s opponent, Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock wasn’t on the campaign trail Wednesday, but on Tuesday said Trump’s announcement will have an impact on his race.

“He is well practiced in the politics of division and my opponent is his acolyte,” Warnock said.

After the rally, Elliot asked Huckabee about Trump and his impact on the race. He believes that if the Walker campaign wants Trump to come to Georgia and campaign, he will.

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