Loeffler Refuses To Accept Biden Win Or Defend Governor Amid Trump Attacks During Heated Debate

Topline

President Trump and his baseless attacks on Georgia’s election process loomed large at the first and likely only debate between Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democratic challenger Rev. Raphael Warnock on Sunday night—as Loeffler refused to accept Joe Biden as president-elect and declined a chance to defend Republican Gov. Brian Kemp amid a torrent of criticism from the president.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“There’s not a racist bone in my body,” Loeffler said after Warnock attacked her over her ties to Greene, who has espoused racist views. Loeffler embraced Greene’s endorsement of her earlier this year. 

Tangent

In Georgia’s other Senate runoff, Jon Ossoff, who is looking to unseat Republican Sen. David Perdue on January 5, debated an empty podium on Sunday after Perdue declined an invitation to debate his opponent. Ossoff called Perdue a “coward” for not showing up. 

Surprising Fact

Trump campaigned for Loeffler and Perdue on Saturday in Georgia, though he focused mainly on himself and his failed reelection campaign during his speech. He also urged a primary against Kemp, a pro-Trump governor. 

Key Background

Control of the Senate will all come down to the two runoff elections in Georgia on January 5. For Democrats to assume narrow control of the Senate, they will have to flip both seats. Even as Loeffler declined to acknowledge Biden as president-elect, she warned against Democratic control of the Senate on Sunday, which would only happen if Biden assumes the White House in January. If Democrats flip both Senate seats, the upper chamber would be tied 50-50, in which case the vice president holds the tiebreaker vote. 

Further Reading 

The Richest Politician On Capitol Hill Is Likely Georgia’s Recently Appointed, Controversial Sen. Kelly Loeffler (Forbes)

Loeffler And Perdue Fail To Escape Trump’s Shadow At Rally Meant To Boost Them (Forbes)

Trump Encourages Primary Challenge Against Georgia’s Pro-Trump Governor (Forbes)