

Politically Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Get real, fact-based news on the new Politically Georgia podcast from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The podcast is hosted by Georgia’s best political team with Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell from Washington. Our journalists provide in-depth reporting and analysis from the nation’s political battleground state.Call in with your questions on the Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at (770)-810-5297, and our hosts will answer them on future episodes. Learn more on the AJC Politically Georgia Podcast page.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 28, 2025 • 32min
Burt Jones Launches His Bid
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Riley Bunch break down Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones’ official entry into the race for Georgia governor, his deep ties to Donald Trump and what that means for a crowded GOP field. They also look at how Jones’ candidacy could reshape city-state relations in Atlanta, from Buckhead cityhood to airport control, and why Mayor Andre Dickens is carefully navigating federal politics as he heads into his reelection campaign.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
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Aug 27, 2025 • 27min
Trump’s National Guard Move Under Fire
On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, host Tia Mitchell examines the legality and politics behind President Trump’s decision to activate the National Guard in Washington, D.C. Georgia State law professor Anthony Michael Kreis explains why the move is raising constitutional concerns and whether it could happen in cities like Atlanta or Chicago. Later, Tia turns to the economy, where AJC business editor Scott Trubey and Georgia Budget and Policy Institute’s Ife Finch Floyd break down troubling unemployment trends for Black women and what they reveal about the broader job market.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26, 2025 • 29min
Collins Jumps In, Vance Sells Trump’s Pitch
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down Congressman Mike Collins’ high-profile Senate campaign kickoff and what it signals about Republican divisions in Georgia. They also take a closer look at Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Peachtree City, where he pitched President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” as a tax cut for working families while Democrats warn about Medicaid and food stamp cuts that could hit Georgians hard.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25, 2025 • 36min
Dooley Off the Sidelines and Onto the Political Field
Greg Bluestein travels to Gainesville, Georgia, where he sits down with Republican Senate candidate Derek Dooley. Dooley offers a wide-ranging interview about his stance on immigration, the Middle East, term-limits, and his latest meeting with President Donald Trump.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 21, 2025 • 30min
Vice President JD Vance to Visit Georgia
Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein discuss Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Peachtree City on Thursday to promote what President Donald Trump calls his “big, beautiful bill.”
Then, AJC election guru Mark Niesse joins the duo to talk about a recent mass cancellation of voter registrations and what Georgia voters can do to if their registration was canceled.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment.
You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 20, 2025 • 32min
Savannah Mayor Talks Trump’s D.C. Takeover, FEMA, and Tariffs
It’s Washington Wednesday. First up, Tia Mitchell talks to Mayor Van Johnson, who is president of the African American Mayors Association. Johnson gives his thoughts on the Trump administration’s attempt to take over the Washington D.C.'s police department.
Then, Tia Mitchell talks to U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., about his latest rally in Georgia, his push to release the Epstein files and if he’s looking to run for president in 2028.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment.
You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2025 • 33min
Trump Backs Burt Jones
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, and Patricia Murphy talk about President Donald Trump backing Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones in the race for governor.Then, the trio moves on to U.S. Rep Mike Collin’s comments about his Senate rivals Derek Dooley and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 18, 2025 • 25min
Georgia Politics, From Climate Funds to the Campaign Trail
Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein, and producer ShaneyB open the listener mailbag to talk about the most pressing stories in Georgia politics. They cover missed opportunities for federal climate grants, the impact of the CDC shooting, and the latest developments in the race for governor. Along the way, they tackle voting rights, foreign policy, and local election coverage.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 14, 2025 • 30min
Michael Thurmond on His Run for Georgia Governor
On this episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell sit down with former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, who recently entered the Democratic race for Georgia governor. Thurmond reflects on lessons from past campaigns, his vision for bridging political divides, and the urgent issues he says Georgia must address — from Medicaid expansion to rural economic recovery. He also shares his reaction to the recent tragic shooting at the CDC and why he believes the 2026 governor’s race is one of the most important in state history.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 13, 2025 • 30min
From the Gridiron to the Senate?
Former Tennessee coach Derek Dooley is stepping into Georgia’s high-stakes Senate race, and sports radio veteran Jimmy Hyams joins the show to share stories from Dooley’s time on the sidelines and how those experiences could shape his political run. Then, Georgia Senator John F. Kennedy talks with Greg Bluestein about tackling chronic absenteeism in public schools, his approach to prevention over punishment, and why it’s an economic issue for the state.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices