Kemp 'not afraid' of Trump — because ex-president desperately needs Georgia: historian

A political historian surmised on CNN that former President Donald Trump needs Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp more than Kemp needs Trump, and said that could be why the two buried the hatchet.

CNN Contributor Leah Wright Rigueur, a historian at Johns Hopkins University, was asked on "NewsNight" to weigh in on Trump's remarks praising Kemp — a man he has relentlessly attacked over Kemp's refusal to overturn the 202 election results.

Trump in recent weeks has called the Republican governor a “bad guy” and an “average governor.” But in a post on Trump's social media site Truth Social, he thanked Kemp for his “help and support in Georgia where a win is so important to the success of our Party and, most importantly, our Country.”

“I look forward to working with you, your team, and all of my friends in Georgia to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump said.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump exploits AP photo error for new $99 'Save America' book

The curious reversal became the topic of discussion, and Rigueur said Kemp has gotten "spicy" with Trump but noted Kemp is "not afraid of Donald Trump."

"In fact, he seems deeply unconcerned with Donald Trump because he doesn't need Donald Trump for the things that he wants," said Rigueur

Kemp is saying Trump needs to be re-elected, said Rigueur, for a specific set of goals.

"He's saying that we want to send all of Georgia's 16 electors over to Donald Trump," she said, adding that Kemp's also saying — and perhaps more importantly — that "'I do not need Donald Trump, Donald Trump needs me.'"

"That is even more true after the Democratic National Convention because right now, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are in a statistical dead heat in Georgia."

She added that institutions and organizations that helped flip Georgia to the Democrats in 2020 are "motivated, fired up and mobilized and organized" this year.

Watch the clip below or at this link.