Nashville, Tenn. — Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jerri Green and congressional candidate Justin Pearson pushed back Sunday after President Donald Trump called them out by name during a Saturday midterm rally in Clarksville.
Trump spoke at F and M Bank Arena, urging Republicans to turn out for the Nov. 3 elections and promoting GOP candidates including U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the Republican nominee for governor. He framed the midterms as a choice between Republican economic policies and what he called radical Democratic leadership.
Trump criticized Green’s work as a public defender and accused her of supporting policies that would weaken law enforcement in Memphis and gun rights. Green responded in a social media video Sunday, saying she is a proud public defender who has fought for the underdog and the Constitution, and arguing that voters care more about health care, groceries and gas than personal attacks.
Green also said in a separate statement that Trump flying into Clarksville to name-drop her shows Blackburn lacks policies and ideas. Pearson joined the pushback, arguing with Green that Republicans are not addressing economic concerns facing Tennessee families.
Coverage of the Democratic response said Blackburn also urged turnout at the Clarksville event. Democrats across the ballot described the visit as a sign Republicans feel pressure ahead of the midterms, while Green said Tennesseans see exactly what is happening.
With early voting and Nov. 3 approaching, the Sunday replies turn a Clarksville rally attack into a statewide message fight centered on Memphis crime policy, cost of living and who speaks for Tennessee families.
