A Conservative Gathering Offers Safe Space for Republicans Not Backing Trump

ATLANTA — Former President Donald Trump continues to be hailed as a leading figure at the Republican National Convention and multiple campaign rallies, where he is celebrated as a hero who narrowly evaded an assassination attempt. His supporters envision him as the individual who will lead the country into a new era of prosperity.

However, the atmosphere at a recent conservative gathering in Georgia presented a stark contrast. The event, known as “The Gathering” and organized by prominent radio host Erick Erickson, lacked the traditional red hats and fervent calls to “Make America Great Again.” Instead, attendees, including regular voters and even Trump’s former vice president, spent the event reflecting critically on the GOP’s trajectory under Trump’s influence.

As the November election nears, discussions at the conference were dominated by concerns about a potential Kamala Harris presidency rather than excitement over a possible return to a Trump administration.

This shift in sentiment poses challenges for Trump, particularly in Georgia, a state that historically supported Republican candidates but is increasingly leaning towards a competitive two-party system. The concerns among some conservatives highlight that although Trump has a strong influence on the GOP, there remains a faction that is skeptical of his leadership and may play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the forthcoming election.

One attendee, Barton McMillan, a small business owner from Atlanta, expressed his uncertainty regarding his voting intentions. He reflected on his past support for Trump, stating, “I voted for him willingly in 2016, and then I held my nose and did it again in 2020. This time, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Discontent was palpable among other attendees at the gathering, where issues such as federal spending, abortion policy, tariffs proposed by Trump, and the nation’s role on the international stage were scrutinized. Some participants voiced frustration over Trump’s focus on unproven claims of widespread voter fraud during the 2020 election, as well as his assertion that vice president Mike Pence could have overturned the election results.

Pence countered Trump’s claims by emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Constitution. “I cannot endorse President Trump’s continuing assertion that I should have put aside my oath to support the Constitution,” he stated, underscoring a growing divide within the party.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who has faced backlash from Trump for not aiding in the attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, received applause from attendees after emphasizing the need for the party to look forward rather than dwell on past grievances.

“We’re going to use our political operation to win Georgia despite past grievances,” Kemp proclaimed, reflecting a broader sentiment among certain party members. Trump’s legal battles regarding his attempts to challenge the election in Georgia are still ongoing.

Pence also pointed out critical issues, such as the Republican platform’s failure to address a national abortion ban and the growing national debt. He cautioned against an increasing isolationist sentiment within the party, highlighting opposition to U.S. support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression and Trump’s promises of extensive tariffs if re-elected.

Some attendees, like 22-year-old Walter Michaelis, who is preparing to cast his second presidential ballot, shared similar frustrations with Trump’s approach. Michaelis articulated his hesitancy to fully endorse Trump again, saying, “I understand why Trump was needed in 2016, but sometimes I do think it would be better now for the party to move on.”

Others, such as Kent Kim, a 30-year-old from Alpharetta, expressed their commitment to Trump but acknowledged the growing skepticism among fellow republicans about his candidacy. “I know people who probably will do that this year,” Kim remarked, referring to supporters potentially withholding their votes.

The 2022 elections underscored vulnerabilities for Trump, as his endorsements did not perform as expected in key battleground regions such as suburban Atlanta, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, which ultimately contributed to Joe Biden’s victory. This trend could similarly favor Harris in the upcoming elections.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell voiced caution about the GOP’s electoral prospects, acknowledging losses in previous elections that should have been winnable. He emphasized the need for a clear conservative agenda and appeared to support Trump’s tax cuts without explicitly endorsing him during his remarks.

Furthermore, some of Trump’s staunch allies subtly warned against divisiveness within the party. Former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler noted the potential repercussions of Trump’s past claims about voting irregularities, which had previously dissuaded many Republican voters from participating in key runoffs. She highlighted the importance of mobilizing supporters to vote through all available means in the upcoming election.

Florida Senator Rick Scott indicated confidence in Trump’s candidacy but shifted the discussion towards his own electoral successes, maintaining that the focus should remain on policy issues rather than personal conflicts within the party.

The sentiments expressed at “The Gathering” illustrate an internal struggle within the Republican Party as it navigates its future while grappling with Trump’s enduring influence.

Source: AP News