Although the Democrats have already won the Senate in the United States, the so-called Georgia runoff is causing a lot of tension within the country. Even the foreign commentator and creator of the American podcast of BNR, Bernard Hammelburg knows it. “It’s basically like the previous election,” he says. “Both parties have 50 seats and the Democrats have the vice president who has the casting vote. Formally it is the majority, but it is a bit in difficulty, because in reality it is fifty per cent».
Hammelburg points out that in the previous midterm elections it was up to the leaders of both parties to “negotiate” who would chair which commission. “And those committee chairs are extremely important in giving direction to the election,” she continues. “But the moment they manage to win an extra Senate seat, they have a real majority. And that creates more authority.’
‘Too close to call’
The reason the election has to be held in Georgia is because the difference was too small to be trusted. Hammelburg compares the situation with France and the elections there. “In the first round, someone has to get at least 50.1 percent of the vote, but if it doesn’t work – as in this case – it must be over.”
The battle is between Republican Herschel Walker and Democratic incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock. According to Jan Postma, Hammelburg’s podcast colleague and America correspondent, the candidates couldn’t be further apart. “Walker is a former American football player and is truly seen as a hero in Georgia,” she says. “Also, he’s supported by Trump, and that’s also very important.”
Criticism
But precisely because of that support came criticism of Walker. According to Postma, the Republican Party did not consider him strong enough and his candidacy was overshadowed by scandals. “Walker is considered ultra-conservative and is resolutely against abortion,” Postma continues. But in recent months, several women have come forward saying Walker paid to have them have an abortion, and he’s also been found to have several undisclosed children. A man who had a lot to do.”
The incumbent Democratic candidate is also a pastor in Atlanta in addition to being a senator. “In the old Martin Luther King church, of all places,” Postma continues. Warnock became a senator with an interim seat two years ago, then also after a second round. But by now he is used to combining an electoral campaign and a pastor ».