RINGGOLD, Ga. - Herschel Walker told the crowd of about 200 people who gathered for a rally to support his U.S. Senate candidacy Sunday that America needed leaders with courage, that high prices are hurting the nation and there's work to be done on issues such as crime and energy independence.
But the theme of the rally was family. Walker, the University of Georgia football hero, said his family is not limited to Black or white or even residents of Georgia.
"I see how they're trying to separate my family, through color," Walker said, calling all Americans his family. "They'll call you names, they called me names. I can't believe it."
Walker said he can't be hurt by name calling, because it's about bigger issues like inflation and national security. People this nation has elected to office don't have guts, he said. He said he believes the world prospers when the United States is leading, and people need to stand up to protect their freedoms and country.
Walker opened the rally talking about his personal story.
Many know about his football success and business career, but he was just as open about his challenges: seeking treatment for mental illness and how he struggled as a child growing up in rural Georgia.
"I was overweight, so I was bullied a great deal," Walker said. On the final day of school in eighth grade, Walker said he went out for recess and got beat up. After failing as an adult to find his bully online, Walker said, "I would wanna thank him, because he didn't just beat me up, he woke me up."
After that, Walker said he started working out and reading books, eventually becoming a good student and one of the top athletes in Georgia. He continued describing his life's journey as a football star, Olympic athlete and founder of two businesses in the food and service industry - H. Walker Enterprises LLC and Renaissance Man Food Services LLC
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Walker was introduced by retiring state Sen. Jeff Mullis, who served in that position for 22 years.
"He's gonna lead our state and take back our country," Mullis said. "I plan on blocking for him, so he scores a touchdown and win this election."
Walker also called for energy independence and described how hurtful the high price of gas and groceries is to working people.
"They're killing the American people and don't seem to care," Walker said. "People ask me why I'm running I'm running because I'm tired of people mistreating my family."
Crime was another issue Walker addressed, describing a murder on Cleveland Street in Atlanta that was caught on video. Defund the police was a dumb idea, he said. "Everybody needs public safety today," Walker said.
We have problems, he said, but they can be solved by coming together. "There's no color in right and wrong, and that's what we got to get back to," Walker said.
As the May 24 primary approaches, Walker has been criticized for not participating in Republican Senate debates. He faces a crowded primary with five opponents but appears to be far ahead. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution/University of Georgia poll conducted between April 11-22 found Walker was favored by 66% of those surveyed, compared to 7% for the next-highest candidate, Gary Black. Also notable: 23% of those surveyed are undecided in the race.
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In the general election, Walker is on course to face Democrat Raphael Warnock, a first-term senator. Recent polls have been split, but the current Real Clear Politics average of Georgia polls gives Walker a half-point lead.
Tom Peeples hosted the rally on his farm in Ringgold, where he raised his children and his children are raising their children. After Walker finished, Peeples said the GOP candidate was a good speaker and went on to say why he supports him in the Senate race.
"Like a lot of successful businessmen, he may not know everything, but he has the contacts and wherewithal to surround himself with the right people who do know," Peoples said. "And that's what I like about him."
Chuck Castleman said one of the reasons he supports Walker is because former President Donald Trump endorsed him.
"Also, he's a good Christian," Castleman said. "And [he] is a people person. He's for everyone."
Contact Andrew Wilkins at awilkins@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @tweetatwilkins.