USA Today ‘stealth edits’ Stacey Abrams op-ed that was sympathetic to boycotts after MLB moved All-Star Game

“The impassioned response to the racist, classist bill that is now the law of Georgia is to boycott in order to achieve change,” Abrams originally wrote. “Events hosted by major league baseball, world class soccer, college sports and dozens of Hollywood films hang in the balance. At the same time, activists urge Georgians to swear off of hometown products to express our outrage. Until we hear clear, unequivocal statements that show Georgia-based companies get what’s at stake, I can’t argue with an individual’s choice to opt for their competition.”

“However, one lesson of boycotts is that the pain of deprivation must be shared to be sustainable,” Abrams continued. “Otherwise, those least resilient bear the brunt of these actions; and in the aftermath, they struggle to access the victory. And boycotts are complicated affairs that require a long-term commitment to action. I have no doubt that voters of color, particularly Black voters, are willing to endure the hardships of boycotts. But I don’t think that’s necessary — yet … I ask you to bring your business to Georgia and, if you’re already here, stay and fight. Stay and vote.”

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The op-ed was later updated after MLB’s decision on April 6, removing the language that was sympathetic to boycotts. USA Today also did not note that the original version of the op-ed had been revised for about two weeks, only adding an editor’s note after critics called attention to the change.

“The impassioned (and understandable) response to the racist, classist bill that is now the law of Georgia is to boycott in order to achieve change. Events that can bring millions of dollars to struggling families hang in the balance. Major League Baseball pulled both its All-Star Game and its draft from Georgia, which could cost our state nearly $100 million in lost revenue,” the revised version reads. “Rather than accept responsibility for their craven actions, Republican leaders blame me and others who have championed voting rights (and actually read the bill). Their faux outrage is designed to hide the fact that they prioritized making it harder for people of color to vote over the economic well-being of all Georgians. To add to the injury, the failed former president is now calling for cancellation of baseball as the national pastime.”

“Boycotts invariably also cost jobs,” the revision continues. “To be sustainable, the pain of deprivation must be shared rather than borne by those who are least resilient … I have no doubt that voters of color, particularly Black voters, are willing to endure the hardships of boycotts. But such monetary loss is unlikely to affect the stubborn, frightened Republicans who see voter suppression as their only way to win. Money isn’t quite as seductive as political power to these putative leaders.”

The revision then adds a line strongly urging against boycotts.

“Instead of a boycott, I strongly urge other events and productions to do business in Georgia and speak out against our law and similar proposals in other states,” the revised op-ed adds.

The revised version of the op-ed has been used to defend Abrams amid attacks from Republicans that she supported boycotts of Georgia businesses, with fact-checking publication Politifact quoting the revised version to argue Abrams is not supportive of boycotts.

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“Not over the fact that Stacey Abrams published an op-Ed about the Georgia law saying ‘boycotts work,’ and she wouldn’t blame anyone for boycotting,” said Republican political operative Matt Whitlock, who first called attention to the edit. “Then AFTER the MLB move, STEALTH EDITED the op-Ed with stronger language opposing boycotts, and media have used it to defend her.”

USA Today did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.