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If you missed this weekend’s gubernatorial debate starring Republican candidates Brian Kemp and David Perdue, then you missed a lot — about 2020.

For approximately the first half of the hour-long debate on WSB-TV, the two candidates clashed on whether Kemp should’ve done more to go after alleged voter fraud in Georgia, allowing Donald Trump to win the presidency. Perdue attacked and attacked on this issue, continuing to ask Kemp why more wasn’t done. His opening statement went right at Kemp.  In fact, his first words were “Folks left me be very clear tonight. The election in 2020 was rigged and stolen.”

He said that rising gas prices, illegal immigration, inflation and being on the brink of war is a result of Kemp “allowing radical democrats to steal our election.” Yes, Perdue opened by criticizing his opponent rather than actually speaking about his own campaign.

Kemp fired back, noting that Perdue was unable to even beat Senator Jon Ossoff in 2020 and asking why he didn’t even ask for a recount. He also delivered his go-to line throughout the night: That he’d beaten Stacey Abrams in 2018 and can beat her again in 2022.

We can only imagine what the Abrams’ campaign thought of the debate — her name had to be said at least a dozen times — since it focused as much on 2020 (if not more) than it did on what either candidate will do if elected (or re-elected.). 

West Point and KIA got a shout out from Kemp when discussing how Georgia brings new business to the state, but there was little in the debate that would probably help anyone from Troup County make a decision on who to vote for.

In fact, we’re not sure anyone who was focused on the future would’ve learned much in the debate. While we understand the 2020 election remains a hot topic, it would’ve been nice to hear from both candidates about more of their future plans and less bickering about a presidential election from two years ago.