Politically Georgia

Georgia’s lawmakers are back under the Gold Dome for the start of the 2024 legislative session, and Politically Georgia is live from the Georgia State Capitol. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy bring you the latest as lawmakers begin 40 days of critical debate.Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones joins the podcast to talk about Democratic priorities this session and how the party plans to recover after November’s tough losses.We also highlight the rising political figures to watch this session as they build momentum for future statewide races.Plus, Governor Brian Kemp is set for a high-profile week, addressing business leaders at the Eggs and Issues breakfast and preparing for his State of the State address.  Links to today’s topics:Georgia Legislature convenes with a more diverse crop of lawmakersWhat to watch for as the Georgia legislative session beginsYour guide to the 2025 session of the Legislature Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. 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

Jon Burns, Georgia House Speaker, outlines the Republican agenda for the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing Medicaid, school safety, and IVF protections. Michelle Au, a Democratic state Representative, shares her vision and priorities for her party after recent election losses. They dive into issues like gun safety and mental health, and discuss the implications of strict abortion laws. Tensions and opportunities for bipartisanship are highlighted as both parties prepare for a pivotal 40 days under the Gold Dome.

Today marks the conclusion of memorial services for Jimmy Carter, the Georgia peanut-farmer-turned-president, as he is laid to rest. On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell provide coverage of the state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where Carter will be eulogized by his grandson Jason Carter and President Joe Biden, with a homily by former UN Ambassador Andrew Young.We also guide you through the final leg of Carter’s journey as his remains are flown back to Georgia for a private funeral service in Plains, where he will be buried alongside his beloved wife, Rosalynn, at their family home.   Links to today’s topics:Full coverage: Jimmy Carter 1924-2024   Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. 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

Jimmy Carter’s final journey continued yesterday as a horse-drawn caisson carried his remains to the U.S. Capitol. During a moving memorial service in the Rotunda, House and Senate leaders honored the selfless life of service lived by Georgia’s only U.S. president. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy reflect on the day’s tributes and the significance of the event.Tia shares her interviews with the deans of Georgia’s congressional delegation, Democrat Sanford Bishop and Republican Austin Scott, who attended the Capitol memorial and reflected on Carter’s lasting legacy.Plus, the U.S. House has passed with bipartisan support the Lakin Riley Act, named in honor of the UGA nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it will test the positions of Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock on tightening laws for immigrants who commit crimes while in the country illegally. Links to today’s topics:Nation begins goodbye as Jimmy Carter lies in state at U.S. CapitolJimmy Carter funeral procession moves from Georgia to D.C.: Live updates recapBill named after Laken Riley is first to be passed in U.S. House this yearPatricia Murphy: Washington finally gives Jimmy Carter the respect he deserved all along  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  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

The Georgia GOP has unanimously voted to expel former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, barring him from running as a Republican in Georgia. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy speak with Duncan about his response to this decision and what it means for his political future.Later, WABE contributor and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joins us to discuss what Georgians can expect from President-elect Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. Robinson also shares his perspective on the key legislative issues likely to dominate the upcoming session under the Gold Dome.Finally, we provide an update on the memorial plans for President Jimmy Carter, whose remains will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Hear about the eulogies and tributes from national leaders as the country prepares to honor Georgia’s only U.S. president.  Links to today’s topics:Georgia GOP expels Geoff Duncan after his support of Kamala HarrisHere’s what a second Trump administration could mean for GeorgiaCarter service at U.S. Capitol delayed by weather, VP Harris to attend   Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  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

Jimmy Carter’s fight against neglected diseases is one of the Carter Center’s most impactful missions. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Dr. Bill Foege, the Carter Center’s first executive director, about his work with President Carter and the legacy they built together.We also turn to Congress, where Mike Johnson narrowly won the vote to remain speaker. His slim margin of victory suggests a tough road ahead as he works to pass the Republican agenda in the 119th session. Finally, as the nation marks the fourth anniversary of the January 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Post reporter Marianna Sotomayor reflects on her experiences reporting from the Capitol that day. Links to today’s topics:Bill Foege: The Jimmy Carter I knewRepublican Mike Johnson reelected House speaker in dramatic floor voteReminders of Jan. 6 attack fade in the Capitol as Trump retakes powerJan. 6 defendants wait for Trump pardonsHow Congress will certify Trump's Electoral College victory on Jan. 6  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  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

As a new session of Congress begins, all eyes are on the slim Republican majority in the U.S. House and whether Mike Johnson can secure re-election as speaker. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with a Georgia GOP congressman to get insights on this first critical test for House Republicans.We also talk with Ernie Suggs, the AJC’s veteran reporter covering the Carter family, about the schedule of events for President Jimmy Carter’s funeral procession beginning tomorrow. Ernie shares personal reflections on his years of reporting on Carter and the lasting legacy of the nation’s 39th president.Finally, Bill and Tia answer your political questions from the listener mailbag and reveal their picks for who’s up and who’s down in politics this week.  Links to today’s topics:Johnson battles for the Speakership: 5 things to watchWhy Johnson’s perilous moment threatens Trump’s agendaJimmy Carter: Man of the PeopleSon of the South: Jimmy Carter’s evolving stance on racePatricia Murphy: Being old in Washington got very old in 2024  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  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

Georgians who traveled to New Orleans to celebrate the New Year and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl found themselves caught in the middle of a deadly terrorist attack. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut speaks with Greg Bluestein, reporting live from New Orleans, about the attack and its impact, including the critical injury of a University of Georgia student.Then, we reflect on the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter as we are joined by professors Charles Bullock and Andra Gillespie, historian Joe Crespino, and veteran political strategist Rick Dent. They’ll share insights into what Carter meant to Georgia, the nation, and the world.Finally, our panel turns to the future, offering their predictions for the biggest political stories set to shape Georgia and the nation in 2025.  Links to today’s topics:Suspect in New Orleans terrorist attack had Georgia, military tiesOfficials identify UGA student, 19, critically injured in New Orleans attackSugar Bowl kickoff time announced after CFP quarterfinal postponementFull coverage: Jimmy Carter 1924-2024 Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  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

On this special year-end edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy reflect on the biggest political stories and questions of 2024 and look ahead to what’s shaping up to be an eventful 2025.What will Donald Trump’s incoming administration mean for Georgia? How will Democrats regroup after their November losses? And how will the midterm elections start to take shape? These are just some of the pressing questions we’ll tackle as we unpack what we’ve learned over the past year and explore what’s to come in Georgia politics.From the Gold Dome to Congress and across the Peach State, it’s the perfect time to analyze the lessons of 2024 and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  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

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut continues our coverage of the passing of Jimmy Carter, the only Georgia-born president of the United States. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Jon Meacham joins the podcast to reflect on President Carter’s remarkable life and enduring legacy.We’ll also bring you the latest updates on tributes and funeral arrangements as the nation honors one of its most extraordinary leaders.  Links to today’s topics:Memorial services for Jimmy Carter planned in Plains, Atlanta and DCAt Carter Center, Atlantans bring peanuts, flowers to mourn ‘passing of an era’The life and legacy of the man who had an impact around the world  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  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