At a Middle Georgia fish fry on Sunday, former President Bill Clinton rallied support for Vice President Kamala Harris, drawing on memories of his own campaign tactics from three decades ago. Clinton, a seasoned campaigner, took aim at former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, critiquing GOP policies, particularly their impact on rural healthcare in Georgia.
He passionately endorsed Harris, praising her leadership potential and urging the crowd to vote for her.
Clinton’s appearance marks his first significant involvement in this election cycle, as he embarked on a carefully planned tour through south and Middle Georgia, including stops in Albany for a church service and a voter mobilization effort.
He plans to continue his tour with a visit to Columbus on Monday.
The Harris campaign views Clinton as a valuable asset, capable of appealing to rural voters who may have drifted from the Democratic Party while also energizing Black voters, a core Democratic constituency.
Polling data indicates Harris has not yet secured the level of support among Black voters that previous Democratic candidates in Georgia have garnered, prompting the campaign to ramp up efforts to galvanize these crucial supporters.
Both Harris and Trump have scheduled rallies in Atlanta this week to rally their bases.
Georgia GOP chair Josh McKoon criticized Clinton’s visit, suggesting it signals desperation in Harris’ campaign.
He contrasted Clinton’s visit with earlier appearances by actress Julia Roberts, mocking the Democratic Party for relying on “political stars of yesteryear.
Clinton’s trip also stirred memories of his 1992 “Bubbas for Bill tour through South Georgia, though this time his stops were smaller and more intimate.
At the fish fry, Clinton was joined by Rep. Sanford Bishop and Stacey Abrams, with the former president sporting a casual, country-themed outfit.
He championed Harris’ economic plan, particularly its aim to lower grocery costs, and condemned Republicans for blocking a bipartisan border security bill.
Clinton underscored the critical importance of Georgia in the upcoming election, emphasizing that winning the state could be pivotal in securing victory in November.