Van Johnson, the mayor of Savannah, Georgia, is currently receiving praise for how he responded to Facebook users who criticized him for posting photos with Kamala Harris.
Recently, Johnson shared several photos with Harris as he welcomed her to Savannah. In the post, Johnson wrote, “I was glad to welcome my friend, former Vice President Kamala Harris back to #Savannah for the final stop of her #107Days book tour. As usual, Savannah showed up in a big way.” He also added, “It was great to catch up and to have her back in our City. #SavannahStrong.”
Many people online reacted negatively to Johnson’s post featuring Harris, with several commenters criticizing both figures. Rather than ignoring the criticism, Johnson responded directly to some users with witty replies, which led many viewers to praise his handling of the situation and his tone in addressing detractors.
In one Facebook comment, a user told Johnson, “Well she isn’t welcomed here in GA. Where is her concern about our rapidly growing wild fires down here?” Johnson responded with a sharp reply, saying, “Well, since you are only followed by 3 people, it seems you are not even welcome on your own page.”
Another commenter was more critical, writing, “2 pieces of [expletive] in one picture.” Johnson responded, “But you are here aren’t you?” Another user mocked Kamala Harris’s book, asking, “Is her book on the topic of ‘The Importance of Understanding the Importance of Things’??” Johnson replied, “No, it is called, ‘Why would Austin from Metter care about what is happening in Savannah?’”
Someone else left a harsh comment saying, “That stupid ignorant [expletive] She didn’t last 107 days in election She makes me sick to even look at her She can’t even come close to Paula Deen and SCAD in Savannah Mayor and her deserve each other.” The mayor responded with a mocking reply, writing, “Well since there were only 107 days in the campaign, I am not sure how she would have lasted longer than the election.”
Many commenters also praised Johnson for his responses, saying he was effectively standing up for himself and Harris. He also clarified that he personally wrote the replies and that his staff did not handle them. When users expressed criticism in a respectful tone, Johnson responded in kind. For example, when one person wrote, “I think you are a wonderful mayor, but no thank you to Ms. Harris,” he replied, “Fair enough. Thank you.” His mix of witty and polite responses quickly gained attention online.
Praise for Savannah, Georgia Mayor Following Facebook Comments
The comments sparked reactions online. A lot of viewers praised Savannah, Georgia’s mayor for the replies he left to critics online, saying his responses stood out for their tone and humor. “That’s my mayor. And he does his own Facebook,” one person wrote. Another replied, “Tell him I love him all the way from California.” Someone else added, “I was dying at his responses. He really had the time.”
More people also praised Johnson, with one person writing, “We live in Savannah AND we have ALWAYS LOVED and supported our GREAT MAYOR VAN JOHNSON who has shown courage and great leadership.” Another commenter said, “He’s alwaysss been clapping back on people. I haven’t lived in Savannah for years, but I’ll forever follow Mayor Van. He’s funny as hell.”
Many viewers found Van Johnson’s comments humorous and enjoyed seeing a public official directly respond to critics online in a witty and engaging way.
