Why people are talking about Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as Biden’s VP
- Bottoms propelled herself to national prominence with a spellbinding speech when protests in her city turned destructive
- Her political experience has been local, but she prides herself on having worked in all three branches of government
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has earned praise for her handling of turbulent anti-racism protests, boosting her prospects of becoming Joe Biden’s running mate and potentially America’s first black female vice-president.
Bottoms has led one of the largest, most multiracial metropolitan areas in the United States since early 2018, a potent political force in the southern state of Georgia.
She recently made waves by pushing back against Republican Governor Brian Kemp and US President Donald Trump and advocating against the rapid reopening of businesses and Georgia communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Then, in this divisive American hour, she propelled herself to national prominence with a spellbinding speech on May 29 when protests in her city turned destructive as people raged about the police killing of unarmed African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis.
“If you care about this city, then go home,” Bottoms appealed to looters and non-violent demonstrators alike in remarks that quickly went viral.
“If you want change in America, go and register to vote,” she added, her voice rising. “That is the change we need in this country.”