When it comes to Herschel Walker’s incredibly messy personal life, it’s been hard to keep up with the allegations. During the Georgia Republican’s Senate campaign, the public learned of an ex-wife, whom Walker had allegedly threatened to kill, an ex-girlfriend whom he had threatened to kill, and an adult son.
In recent months, that family tree has added a few branches. As of this morning, Walker has four children — three of whom he previously failed to disclose, and one of whom has denounced his candidacy and accused Walker of domestic violence. He has children with at least four women, one of whom has accused Walker of paying for abortions.
Recently, the GOP candidate has focused on the fact that he lied about having a background in law enforcement, but yesterday, as reported by NBC News, Walker faced new allegations about a prior relationship.
The attorney presented evidence that Walker at least knew the woman who raised the claims: there was an apparent voicemail message Walker left, a photo of her dressed in bed, and greeting cards she signed.
The accuser also said at yesterday’s press conference, “After several discussions with Herschel about the pregnancy, he encouraged me to have an abortion.” According to her version of events, she went to a clinic but could not get an abortion, which left Walker “distraught”.
“He brought me to the clinic the next day and waited for hours in the parking lot until I came out,” the woman said. “I was shocked because I felt pressured to have an abortion.”
At this point, the claims remain unconfirmed and there is no direct evidence to support the abortion allegations. Walker denied the latest allegations yesterday, though his earlier denials about related claims were not entirely persuasive.
And while the Republican’s defenders will see yesterday’s developments as part of a political maneuver, his anonymous accuser insisted to reporters that she voted for Donald Trump twice, but she is speaking out because she does not believe Walker is “morally fit to be an American senator.”
For his part, the candidate returned to Fox News twice yesterday, telling viewers, “If they can do it to me, they’ll do it to you next.”
I think there is some truth in that. If anyone reading this has had four children with four partners, misled people about their existence, launched a Senate campaign, and been accused of paying for an abortion, it’s entirely possible that you too could be accused of paying for a different abortion.
As for why it might matter in Georgia’s statewide contest, a recent Washington Post report summarized, “Walker is running on a platform that opposes abortion in all circumstances, with no exceptions for rape or adultery or to protect the life of the mother. He has said he would vote for a national ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy.” He has also criticized black men for being absentee parents.