Politics

Thousands Gather At Atlanta Rally As Obama Stumps For Abrams

November 2nd, 2018

Former President Barack Obama speaks to thousands in Morehouse College on Nov. 2 for the rally.

Lauren Booker / WABE

Former President Barack Obama made a stop in Atlanta for the “Get Out The Vote Rally” on Friday, Nov. 2.

The 44th president of the United States campaigned with Georgia’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and other Georgia Democratic candidates. He spoke to a crowd of thousands at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena.

“The consequences of any of us staying home are profound,” Obama said. “Because America’s at a crossroads.”

Celebrities, rapper 2 Chainz and actor Chris Tucker, also made appearances at the rally. Atlanta’s Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Civil Rights leader Rep. John Lewis were a few of the speakers at the event.

Rapper 2 Chainz came out to the “Get Out The Vote” rally at Morehouse College. Photo credit: Lauren Booker

Actor Chris Tucker made an appearance at the rally on Nov. 2. Photo credit: Lauren Booker

Will Packer, who produced movies “Girls Trip” and “Takers,” was amongst the crowd, and he had a message for potential voters.

Free, first-come, first-served tickets were offered to the public on Oct. 31 at 11 locations around Georgia. But those with tickets won’t be guaranteed entry, according to the Georgia Democrats website.

“I am really excited to see a different group of people come into power,” Lauren Lee said. Photo credit: Lauren Booker

Lauren Lee, 19, from Milton, Georgia, was one of the many that braved the rain to stand in line for entry into the rally.

She described her hometown as being “very conservative” and said she wants to elect the “first female black governor in the state that for so long has been conservative.”

“I’m excited that the Georgia I grew up in and ideals that I really don’t support might change in this election,” Lee said.

Alphonso Pines came out to the rally. Photo credit: Lauren Booker

Alphonso Pines, 66, from Atlanta, Georgia, said that this would be the third time he has seen Obama speak and that “the magic doesn’t wear off with him.”

“I feel powerful. I feel very powerful … seeing all these people young and old coming out … I think we’ve got a good shot,” Pines said.

“He [Obama] obviously was hoarse from talking so much, but he made a full blown out effort,” Dee Dunaway said.

Dee Dunaway, 70, from Smyrna, Georgia, said the rally was good for the morale of those who attended.

“He [Obama] talked a long time, hit a lot of good points, was enthusiastic even though he was hoarse. I really appreciated it as I think everybody did,” Dunway said.

President Donald Trump will be heading to Macon to campaign for Republican Georgia gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport on Sunday at 4 p.m. The rally will open to the public at 1 p.m.

For full election coverage visit election.wabe.org.