After Republicans suffered embarrassing double defeats in the Georgia Senate runoffs that delivered Democrats a razor-thin majority, the Georgia GOP is rearing to revert the state to red.
The Senate candidate that former President Donald Trump—and subsequently the bulk of the GOP—has pinned his hopes on is former NFL star Herschel Walker, who announced his candidacy against Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock in the 2022 midterms.
Since announcing his candidacy in August, Walker's campaign has already seen some scandals, such as his past domestic violence allegations and incendiary social media posts by his son, MAGA influencer Christian Walker.
Now, Herschel Walker is embroiled in yet another scandal surrounding his college graduation—or lack thereof.
After the Atlanta Journal-Constitution inquired about Walker's education credentials, his campaign site removed the falsehood that claimed Walker “graduated from UGA with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice."
Walker said in a statement:
“I was majoring in Criminal Justice at UGA when I left to play in the USFL my junior year. After playing with the New Jersey Generals, I returned to Athens to complete my degree, but life and football got in the way.”
This is despite the claim being promoted by Walker and his team everywhere from a campaign rally to an introduction before Congress.
For his critics, it wasn't that Walker's education was cut short that irked them, but the fact that he lied about it.
He’s lying about being a college graduate & we know his wife lied… she was a resident in Texas but voted in Georgia.
Folks, if they are lying to you now…
Get it right Georgia, re-elect @SenatorWarnock ! https://t.co/uqjtlNlFEl
— Jaime Harrison, DNC Chair (@harrisonjaime) December 17, 2021
I don’t think we should attack a candidate for not having gone to college, but if they’re lying about it, then by all means, set the record straight https://t.co/4RkYlVwslF
— Christos (@christos_ioa) December 17, 2021
When you lie about things that are easily fact checked, what are the odds you will be truthful about important things when its hard and stakes are high?#TrumpTicket is bad for Georgia. https://t.co/EcgoCeM3c2
— Jeanne Dufort (@dufort_jeanne) December 17, 2021
Herschel Walker very, very famously went to college for three years before becoming a professional athlete. Can’t begrudge that decision but that’s a very well known thing. Lying is just this inconsequential now. https://t.co/cbISrgscfN
— John Fleming (@johnjf125) December 17, 2021
Others said lying as a Republican is a job requirement in itself.
Isn't that a pre-requisite to run as a Repug?
Lie-gaslight & create fear https://t.co/YGbI0o0y0k
— WICountryGigi (@country_gigi) December 17, 2021
It seems as a Republican you have to lie,it’s part of their values! https://t.co/ATm5nvFoRQ
— ButtigiegDemocrat 🐝 #TeamPeteForever New ❤️ USDOT (@Chimos5CAD) December 17, 2021
But at one point years ago he INTENDED to finish his degree, and that's close enough to being true, right? Especially in the party that defends, admires and rewards liars. In fact, the @GOP may punish him for backing off a lie, a sure sign of weakness. https://t.co/1yEvN7Qik2
— 𝔾𝕨𝕖𝕟 𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕫 (@gwenmoritz) December 17, 2021
he continues to be a perfect gop candidate https://t.co/hlHh8pEZ8X
— gg 🙊🙈🙉 (@gina_goldberg) December 17, 2021
Herschel beginning his political 'career' by lying about completing a college degree seems right on brand for a republican. https://t.co/t4fdK3qDvK
— John Perschino (@JPerschino) December 17, 2021
Walker is almost certain to win the Republican primary in May of next year.
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AMC