Politically Georgia

Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock are facing backlash from segments of Georgia’s Jewish community for voting to cut off sales of specific armaments to Israel. Meanwhile, a liberal Jewish organization has defended the senators, arguing that claims of their lack of support for Israel are misplaced. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell examine the complex dynamics surrounding the Israeli war against Hamas with insights from state Representatives Esther Panitch and Ruwa Romman.The episode also explores the growing Republican efforts to unseat Ossoff in his re-election campaign two years from now, as the political landscape in Georgia continues to take shape.Plus, we look at the brewing controversy over President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, a move that has drawn backlash from Republicans and some Democrats alike.  Links to today’s topics:Criticism grows of Jon Ossoff’s vote to restrict ammunition for IsraelDemocratic infighting could spell trouble ahead for Georgia U.S. senatorThank you letter to Ossoff and Warnock for Israel votesBiden has pardoned his son Hunter. What does that mean?Politico: President Biden's parting insult to DOJHave 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 Thanksgiving edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy dig into the listener mailbag to answer your top political questions. We’ll reflect on the biggest moments of a blockbuster political year, including insights into the 2024 election cycle, the state Election Board, and the economic outlook.Looking ahead, we’ll address your questions about the next legislative session, the goals of President-elect Trump’s administration, and potential candidates for Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial race.Finally, producer Natalie Mendenhall interviews Dr. Drew Westen, a psychologist and professor emeritus at Emory, for advice on how to talk politics with your family this holiday season without losing your cool. Whether it’s reaching across the table or across the aisle, Dr. Westen offers tips to keep the conversation productive and civil.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

Now that special counsel Jack Smith has asked courts to dismiss federal criminal charges against President-elect Donald Trump, what happens to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' election-conspiracy case against Trump and his co-defendants? AJC politics reporter Shannon McCaffrey joins the podcast to discuss this topic.Then, AJC President and Publisher Andrew Morse details how the AJC will cover Trump’s second term as president.Plus, AJC senior food and dining editor Ligaya Figueras talks about what she plans to serve for her Thanksgiving dinner. Special counsel moves to abandon federal criminal cases against President-elect TrumpAndrew Morse: the AJC will hold officials accountable, give readers news they need  Columbia Journalism Review: How to think about covering Trump 2.0Figueras: Go behind the scenes with turkey emergency crew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Sam Olens and Michael Thurmond discuss what the political landscape in Georgia looks like in the aftermath of President-elect Donald Trump’s convincing victory in Georgia and as candidates on both sides of the aisle prepare to run in the elections of 2026.Then, Emory University professor Andra Gillespie looks at the data showing that Gen-Z men were attracted to the Trump campaign’s emphasis on masculinity. What impact will the bro-centric Trump administration have on White House policies and more moving forward? Georgia AG declares candidacy for governorGeorgia Democrats map out post-election strategy after Trump victoryThe rise of Trump bros and why some Gen Z men are shifting to Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Nigut discusses the early entry of Republican state Attorney General Chris Carr into the 2026 race for governor and other political news making headlines. Then, Democratic state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver joins the podcast to discuss President-elect Donald Trump’s choices for roles in cabinet and high-ranking administration positions. In the aftermath of former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from his nomination to be U.S. attorney general, Oliver makes the case for why she believes the selection of an attorney general who is loyal to the president-elect is dangerous for the independence of the Department of Justice. Then, Dr. Mark Rosenberg joins the podcast to discuss concerns about Health and Human Services secretary nominee Robert Kennedy Jr.’s long-running campaign against vaccines. Plus, we answer your questions from the listener mailbag.Georgia AG declares candidacy for governorDid Chris Carr announce for governor too soon?After Gatez drops out, Trump nominates Pam Bondi for AGGatez withdrawal highlights how presidential nominees are often defeatedOfficial says Georgia not spending enough for veteran services Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bentley Hudgins, director of the Georgia Human Rights Campaign, and AJC staff writer Maya T. Prabhu discuss the broader impact of the demonization of transgender individuals by Donald Trump's campaign as a weapon against Kamala Harris. And they look at the flap in the U.S. House over which bathroom the first transgender member of Congress should be allowed to use. Plus, they talk about whether any culture wars bills will surface during the legislative session.Then, the podcast welcomes home former AJC political columnist Jim Galloway to get his perspective on the landscape in Georgia and across the country as Trump prepares for his second term as president. Will Trump win approval for controversial picks for his cabinet?Every anti-LGBTQ bill fails as 2024 session endsGeorgia senate promotes multiple anti-trans measuresOpinion: Georgians are fed up with anti-LGBTQ legislationKelly Loeffler explains why she's backing Matt Gaetz for AGKemp elected chair of powerful GOP governor's association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler discusses how she’s rebuilt her political profile after losing a runoff election to Raphael Warnock. Loeffler also talks about Greater Georgia, the conservative grassroots political organization she founded. Then she moves on talk about the close ties she’s formed with President-elect Donald Trump, which led to her being named a co-chair of his inaugural committee. She also endorsed Trump’s Cabinet picks, including his selection of former Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general.Then: AJC staff writer Tamar Hallerman talks about the surprising and unexplained decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals to cancel a hearing that could have led to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis being dismissed from the Georgia election conspiracy case against Trump.And the hosts look at Gov. Brian Kemp’s appeal to Congress seeking more than $12 billion in aid to support the state's recovery from the devastating damage of Hurricane Helene.Kelly Loeffler to co-chair Trump inaugural committeePresident-elect Trump could look to Georgia as he builds out his administration teamPatricia Murphy: Is Kelly Loeffler the new Georgia Republican Party?Georgia appeals court cancels hearing in Willis' role inTrump election conspiracy case Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As President-elect Trump’s administration picks continue to divide both Democrats and Republicans, new data sheds light on the coalition that secured his victory. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Emory University’s Bernard Fraga to analyze the voter trends that propelled Trump back to the White House.LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, joins the podcast to discuss how identity politics influenced the election and what strategies Democrats can use to counter the conservative messaging that resonated with voters.Plus, we explore other political news making headlines, including reports that Nikema Williams may step down as chair of the Georgia Democratic Party.Links to today’s topics Stunned Democrats look to rebuild for futureBlack Voters Matter websiteNikema Williams sets path to step down as Dem chair as pressure mounts for her ousterHave 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

With the election behind us, Georgia lawmakers are preparing to head back to the Gold Dome. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut talk with newly elected House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley about her vision for uniting Georgia Democrats and the legislative priorities she hopes to push forward in 2024.Next, political strategist Heath Garrett joins the show to discuss the legacy of his mentor, the late Senator Johnny Isakson, and whether Isakson’s philosophy of political civility can thrive in today’s polarized climate.Finally, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reflects on the sweeping losses for Democrats this election cycle during her recent visit to Georgia, sharing key lessons she’s learned from the results.  Links to today’s topics Democrat Carolyn Hugley elected House minority leaderGeorgia Democrats shift to new leaders after limited election gainsPoliticians urge civility after ferocious election battle in Georgia  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

With the presidential election behind us, Georgia lawmakers are already preparing for the start of the 2024 General Assembly session in January. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell preview the legislative priorities shaping up for both Republicans and Democrats.   State Senate GOP Majority Leader Steve Gooch shares insights on the Republican agenda, including passing a state budget and revisiting culture war issues like abortion restrictions and anti-LGBTQ measures that stalled in the 2024 session.   We also speak with newly-elected Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones, who lays out the Democratic strategy for the upcoming session and the issues they aim to highlight despite limited power in the Republican-controlled Senate.    Plus, we answer listener questions from our listener mailbag and pick this week’s winners and losers during who’s up and who’s down.     Links to today’s topics  Trump nominates Georgian Doug Collins to head Veterans' Affairs Trump chooses anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary Senate Republicans re-elect leadership team for 2025 session Sen. Harold Jones promises strong push for policy goals as new minority leader      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