An automated telephone call with racist and anti-Semitic statements was sent to voters in the state of Georgia on Thursday.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams, is campaigning to be the first Black female governor in U.S. history, as is Florida’s potential first Black governor, Andrew Gillum. Both are said to be targets of The Road to Power, a group organized by Scott Rhodes of Idaho, who has been linked to the racist robocalls.
The voice on the recording attempted to impersonate Oprah Winfrey, who openly supports Abrams.
Georgia’s Secretary of State, Republican Brian Kemp, issued a public statement calling the tactic “vile” and “contrary to the highest ideals of our state and country,” and condemning “any person or organization that peddles this type of unbridled hate and unapologetic bigotry”.
The Abrams’ camp placed part of the onus of the recordings on Kemp and Trump, stating that they contributed to the toxic and racist environment in the the first place.
“These automated calls are being sent into homes just days before President Trump arrives, reminding voters exactly who is promoting a political climate that celebrates this kind of vile, poisonous thinking,” said Abrams’ spokeswoman Abigail Collazo.
“Georgia has long been on a path of change and evolution,” Abrams said. She also said the election is about issues like expanding Medicaid insurance and focusing state spending on public education, job training and small business start-ups.
“I’m the only candidate with a plan to get that done and to do that without vitriol, without vilifying people,” she said.
