By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JAN. 4, 2022 | Let’s talk politics eventually today. But first, who might be the most popular man in Georgia this morning?
Stetson Bennett IV. The underdog Georgia Bulldogs’ quarterback played a superb game in the Orange Bowl against the Big Ten’s Michigan. Bennett and his cohorts thoroughly dominated the once mighty Spartans, who came into the game with just one loss, and was ranked No. 2 by the pollsters, just ahead of Georgia.
Yet the Bulldogs seemed to outplay Michigan with ease, up 27-3 at halftime, with the victory never threatened in the second half. It’s now Georgia 34, Michigan, 11, and onto the national championship in a rematch against always-tough-for-Georgia, Alabama.
Bennett
But the man of the hour was Bennett, showing great leadership, poise and pinpoint passing in guiding his cohorts. Again, he showed his cool when he had to scramble, picking up nice yardage. Bennett’s had an amazing last two years, coming out of nowhere to lead the Bulldogs.
Even loyal Georgia Tech fans will be pulling for the Bulldogs and Bennett in the title game on Monday. Right now we wouldn’t bet against Bennett. Though the Bulldogs fell last year, this seems to be a far different team for this season. Let’s hope that the Georgia football team can put all that behind them and play as good Monday night as they did against Michigan. It’ll be a thriller of a game. With Stetson Bennett in the game, we think it gives the Bulldogs an edge.
Now to politics: When the University of Georgia won its national football championship, it was Herschel Walker who was the star. Now we have Walker back on stage in Georgia, returning from his home in Texas, as a Georgia candidate for the U.S. Senate.
You wonder if a 59-year-old Walker can show the same dexterity on the political stump that he showed running over opponents on the gridiron. Somehow, Walker doesn’t seem to have the same fire in his belly that he proved on the field. You have to have a certain ability and flair to play football. Those same qualities are not necessarily needed when you go on the political trail. Politics is more cranial with the need to charm voters; football is more simply physical.
Walker seems to be just another guy that former President Trump has commanded to become a candidate, yet Walker seems to be a reluctant candidate. So far, we can’t see that his efforts have caught fire among old-time Republicans. Having a candidate who says he wants to win office is one thing; it takes far more determination that Walker has yet to show to come out ahead.
Meanwhile, the other big race this coming political season is for governor. In this race, we also don’t detect the “fire in the belly” in David Perdue, the former Senator. He seems to want to run to show he can win again, but against his own party’s sitting governor? His candidacy may show that the Republicans need to quit squabbling within their party, and unite behind a strong candidate to run for governor.
That’s because many people think the Democratic candidate for governor, Stacey Abrams, is almost a shoo-in, after nearly beating Bryan Kemp in the last election. Granted, Kemp has had a tough time in office, compounded by the pandemic. Yet Ms. Abrams seems to be gaining strength as she moves around Georgia, having specific planks for the various areas of Georgia.
So watch out. Political year 2022 is here, offering constant contrasts and changes. Hold on for the ride!
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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