President Biden’s latest visit to Atlanta, known for its strong blue political support, was met with unsurprisingly minimal enthusiam. This lack of indulgence was apparent from the moment the presidential motorcade made its way through the city streets – an event usually stirring the city into a whirlwind of activity. Yet, this time, the city responded with some indifference, raising questions about the stalwart support traditionally seen by liberal leadership in such urban jungles.
Delving into the specifics of the President’s visit, one could not help but notice the lack of a crowd as his motorcade trundled through Atlanta. This resulted in biting remarks in the public sphere, particularly on social media platforms, throwing the spotlight on the austere welcome.
The Republican National Committe (RNC) was among the first to highlight the palpable lack of supporters for the turnout of the president’s motorcade. In a video shared, largely empty streets and unexcited observers were the focus, sparking a bemused question, ‘Did the motorcade really pass through town if nobody cared?’
Biden’s visit included a fundraising event in the posh city neighborhood of Buckhead, where he took the opportunity to credit Georgian voters for his victory over former President Trump in the 2020 elections. The question, though, remains – if the Georgian voters were credited with such honor, why was their appreciation not more visibly demonstrated?
If a presidential motorcade passes through town but absolutely nobody cares — did it really pass through town? pic.twitter.com/BY200GEfKc
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 18, 2024
In his event speech, President Biden can be quoted saying, ‘If you ever doubt the power of the vote, I say come to Georgia. You are the reason I won. Georgia is the reason I’m president right now.’ However, this public statement does not seem to align with the apathetic response to his presence observed on the streets of Atlanta.
Videos showcasing the unusual lack of welcome began circulating on social media, furthering the debate about the surprisingly muted response to Biden’s visit to Atlanta. Above all, it sparked critics’ commentary towards the perceived indifference towards the president.
Among the highlights included posts by social media users: ‘Mobs gather in Atlanta to see Joe Biden’s motorcade, a sarcastic remark by Collette Harrington. Another critic proclaimed, ‘MASSIVE crowd of almost 4 people line the streets as Biden’s motorcade passes through in Atlanta.’
Biden also made a stop at the city’s beloved Mary Mac’s Tea Room before heading to the Arthur M. Blank Family Office for the fundraiser. Yet, even the usually bustling tea room was bereft of the expected crowd. Curiously, his Atlanta trip was also tinged with protests, hinting at an extra layer of dissatisfaction towards the current administration.
The contentious sentiment was already brewing when students at Morehouse College critiqued the decision to have Biden deliver their commencement speech. Students aired concerns about the college being politically used as a prop rather than being valued for its historical significance.
Associations were made between Biden’s visit and what was seen as a blatant push for more Black votes. Malik, a student at Morehouse College, put it candidly, ‘We don’t want him here. It’s so obvious that it’s just about the presidential campaign.’
These sentiments echoed across the community, leading to criticisms of not just Biden, but politics in general, with some urging for the attention of other influential figures who could impart more value to students at the institution.
These sentiments were fortified by a protest held by students and faculty, alleging faulty handling of the Israel war by the U.S. under Biden’s administration. This only further punctuated the underlying unrest.
Biden’s visit occurred in the aftermath of a New York Times poll, pitting Trump ahead of Biden in several key battleground states. A marked rise in Trump’s support among Black voters added to the jolt, revealing an unexpected shift in the political landscape.
In contrast with Biden’s reception, Trump’s visit to Atlanta the preceding month was hallmarked by a throng of supporters. Stops at various city locations, including a popular Chick-fil-A, were punctuated by enthusiastic crowds.
Evidence of Trump’s continued influence in the area was furthered by his support of Buckhead’s attempt to secede from Atlanta due to escalating crime. Such tangible, grassroots support puts into stark contrast the reception Biden received on his visit.
The divergent reactions towards the two Presidents in Atlanta paints a telling picture. For Biden, being met with indifference or direct criticism during his visit to a historically blue city adds an element of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Trump’s strong support despite numerous controversies and legal battles, signals a shifting political landscape that should not go unnoticed.
WATCH: Biden Mocked for Limp Reception During Atlanta Motorcade Drive Through appeared first on Real News Now.
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