Mayor Bottoms On Leadership During Protests, A Pandemic And VP Rumors

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has gained national attention for her response to the coronavirus pandemic, often publicly challenging Gov. Brian Kemp’s coronavirus response. She told WABE she plans to join the cities flouting his executive order by signing her own mandatory mask ordinance Wednesday.

Bottoms has also been thrust into the spotlight for her handling of Atlanta’s share of protests of police brutality, protesters who turned destructive and a new round of unrest following the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks at the hand of an Atlanta police officer.

WABE’s Emma Hurt spoke to Bottoms about feedback on her leadership in recent months, about those questioning whether she’s still in control given last weekend’s spate of shootings including the death of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner and about the rumors she’s being considered as a possible running mate for former Vice President and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.