Short-Circuiting a Surge: How the Doug Jones Campaign Strategy May Have Upended the Alabama Governor’s Race

By Christopher M Peeks

Since time immemorial, we have witnessed pivotal moments in political races where the trajectory shifts drastically—usually due to a campaign misstep rather than a true breakthrough.

Ronald Reagan famously landed a knockout blow against Jimmy Carter when he asked voters if they were better off than four years ago. But campaigns stumble for a host of reasons. Many times, it is like witnessing a train wreck unfold, or imagining being in New Jersey in 1937 as the Hindenburg comes down: there is nothing left to do but sit there as a helpless spectator to the carnage.

An epic example occurred this past weekend when Doug Jones imported Stacey Abrams of all people to campaign for him in Alabama.

Few figures could be more polarizing to introduce to the Yellowhammer State. Making matters worse, Jones plastered pictures of the two together across social media.

When a move like this happens, one of two things must be true: either Jones is trailing so badly among Black voters that he tried a Hail Mary by drafting the two-time failed Georgia gubernatorial candidate, or he just committed one of the most tactical blunders in political history.

I lean toward the latter—it stands as one of the most disastrous missteps state politics has ever seen. Jones already held a firm grip on his core Black constituency. Who is he trying to target with her? Who is she actually going to mobilize?

I’ll tell you who she will turn out: moderate Republicans and independents—for Tommy Tuberville.

Even former Secretary of State John Merrill noted on the BCS. State of Alabama podcast that Senator Jones had been gaining ground on his opponent. Talk about short-circuiting a surge.

What once promised to be a tight race is now tracking toward a rout. This one looks to be over.

The above originally appeared in the Alabama Political Contributor. It is reprinted here, with minor editorial changes, by permission of the author.

Christopher M. Peeks is a Reporter, Columnist and Alabama Political Contributor.

Opinions do not reflect the views and opinions of ALPolitics.com. ALPolitics.com makes no claims nor assumes any responsibility for the information and opinions expressed above.¥