Politically Georgia

As former President Trump prepares to return to the White House, some Georgians may be joining him in Washington. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, and Bill Nigut speak with Trump ally and state Senator Brandon Beach to discuss the possibility of his role in the upcoming administration.  We also get Beach's perspective on the next legislative session, including whether issues like abortion limits, gun laws, and Medicaid expansion will take center stage in January.  Next, we turn to Georgia’s Democratic Party, where new leadership elections are underway in the House following recent election losses. Outgoing state Rep. Teri Anulewicz shares her thoughts on the future of the party and the direction it should take moving forward.   Links to today’s topics What to know about Matt Gaetz, Trump's choice for attorney general Donald Trump's attorney general pick has a history of stirring things up in Georgia Georgia GOP leaders are ready for life under Donald Trump Patricia Murphy: How Joe Rogan became the Walter Cronkite of 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

As the nation braces for President-elect Trump’s second term, his early decisions suggest a tough stance on immigration and a shift in the country’s political landscape. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell examine Trump’s plans, including his campaign pledge to initiate mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Chuck Kuck, a top immigration attorney, joins us to discuss how Trump’s early staffing choices signal a hardline approach and what that could mean for Georgia’s immigrant communities.We also talk with former Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux, who recently expressed her disillusionment with the Democratic Party in an essay for the AJC. Bourdeaux shares her thoughts on how the party has lost its way and the direction she believes it needs to take to reconnect with voters.Finally, activist Hillary Holley, executive director of Care in Action, discusses how organizers are strategizing to rebuild and refocus their efforts in the wake of the election.   Links to today’s topics Trump picks advisors liekly to carry out tough immigration policiesCarolyn Bourdeaux: This time it's Democrats who have to changeCare in Action website  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 AJC's Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut analyze Harris’s defeat, Georgia’s GOP strategy, and Democratic challenges  Summary: One week after Election Day, the political landscape in Georgia is shifting, with both parties assessing their next moves. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut speak with incoming DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. She shares her insights on Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss and its impact on Georgia Democrats, along with her goals for DeKalb County’s first 100 days under her leadership.Republican strategist Stephen Lawson joins the podcast to discuss Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the priorities that Georgia Republicans are likely to push forward in the upcoming legislative session.Finally, we explore the fallout within the Georgia Democratic Party after recent losses, as pressure mounts for leadership changes. We’ll examine what these developments mean for Georgia’s political future.   Links to today’s topics Incoming DeKalb CEO prepares transition teamGeorgia Democrats consider "course correction" after losing 2024 presidential raceDonald Trump is likely to look to Georgia as he builds out his White House teamHave 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 Republicans celebrate Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House, the coalition he built is prompting discussions about a shifting political landscape. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with UGA political science professor Audrey Haynes about what Trump’s broad support means for Georgia’s increasingly diverse electorate.We also dive into Kamala Harris’s challenges in energizing Black male voters, traditionally a strong Democratic base. Democratic strategist Fred Hicks shares his insights on why Harris’s support among Black men lagged and whether there’s a risk of scapegoating this group for her loss.We’ll also bring you the latest news making political waves in Georgia   Links to today’s topicsYoung Black and Latino men say they chose Trump because of economy and jobsWill Black men be scapegoats for Harris loss?Raphael Warnock bemoans sense of "betrayal" after Trump victoryBurt Jones considers Medicaid expansion as 2026 governor's race loomsFormer Georgia senator will chair Trump inaugural committee 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 the dust settles from Election Night, both major partiesare grappling with internal shifts, especially those on the political fringes.On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgiapodcast, hosts Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein speak with former Georgia Lt.Gov. Geoff Duncan about the future for never-Trump Republicans like him andwhere they fit into the GOP over the next four years.Former President Trump’s record support among Latino votersplayed a significant role in his victory, even as he campaigned on hardlineimmigration policies. We’ll hear from Gwinnett Democrat Brenda Lopez Romero andRepublican state Senator Jason Anavitarte on what motivated Latino voters andhow each party views this growing bloc.Plus, it’s Friday, so we’re diving into the listener mailbagto answer your questions and sharing our picks for who’s up and who’s down aswe wrap up a historic election cycle.   Links to today’s topicsTheycould be deported, but these Latino immigrants in Georgia still relish Trump’swinGeorgiaRepublican leaders ready for life under TrumpAsGeorgia Democrats struggle with Trump’s comeback, some point fingers inward Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hourPolitically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back yourquestion and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday'sepisode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at ApplePodcasts, 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

Vice President Kamala Harris concedes as Georgia’s GOP celebrates victory and prepares for action. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein break down Harris’s concession speech and her commitment to a smooth transition as former President Donald Trump returns to the White House. We also discuss the potential Republican-controlled Congress, including which Georgia lawmakers may be headed to Washington in new leadership roles.   We then shift focus to Georgia’s state politics, where Republicans are poised to retain control of the General Assembly. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones shares his insights on what’s in store for the upcoming legislative session.   Plus, former state Senator Jen Jordan joins the podcast to explore why exit polls show low support for Harris among White women voters in Georgia, and to discuss the GOP’s hold on the state Senate. Jordan shares her perspective on what Democrats can expect in the legislative session ahead and reflects on how her party might regroup as they look toward 2026.     Links to today’s topics Kamala Harris concedes 2024 election  Former Trump aide Brian Jack elected to Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District  Georgia members of Congress prepare for new GOP majority    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

Donald Trump has reclaimed the White House and will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States in January. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell, and Bill Nigut examine Trump’s decisive win in Georgia, where he flipped a 2020 defeat into a 100,000-vote victory over Kamala Harris. Election data analyst Ryan Anderson joins us to break down how Trump turned rural counties even redder and why Harris’s support in metro Atlanta couldn’t close the gap.We’ll also cover Georgia’s congressional races, with all U.S. House incumbents re-elected and Republican Brian Jack winning the open seat in the 3rd District.Finally, we’ll hear reactions from Georgia GOP chair Josh McKoon and Democratic Party chair Nikema Williams as they reflect on what this election means for their respective parties moving forward.  Links to today’s topics:Bluestein: How Trump won Georgia back for RepublicansLive AJC election updates: Trump headed to White House againGeorgia election resultsGeorgia incumbent U.S. House members all win re-election; They're joined by now 3rd district Republican Brian Jack  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

Election Day has arrived, with an estimated one million Georgia voters expected to join the more than 4 million who have already cast their ballots. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy discuss the final campaign pushes from Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, along with their appeals to Georgia voters in the race’s closing hours.AJC reporters are stationed across the state to capture the scene. We’ll hear from AJC bureau chiefs Fletcher Page (Athens), Joe Kovac (Macon), and Adam Van Brimmer (Savannah) about the issues driving voters to the polls in their communities and get updates on polling wait times in metro Atlanta.Finally, AJC elections expert Mark Niesse joins us to discuss what to expect as results start coming in, how Georgia is handling misinformation and the potential for post-election lawsuits. He also offers last-minute tips for Election Day voters.  Links to today’s topics:Five things to watch for on election day in GeorgiaAJC's live election day update pageGeorgia secretary of state says state is ready for election dayHave 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 one day to go before what many consider a historic Election Day, more than 4 million Georgians have already cast their ballots, while millions more are expected to vote tomorrow. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with political ad expert Rick Dent to analyze the final campaign messages from Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as they make their last push to win over voters.Then, we speak with Gabe Sterling, COO of the Secretary of State’s office, about the measures being taken to counter misinformation circulating on social media about non-citizen voting. Sterling also addresses the latest legal challenge from Georgia Republicans, who filed a lawsuit over counties that accepted absentee ballots this past weekend.Finally, a sampling of person-on-the-street interviews with Georgians sharing their thoughts on this year’s election. Links to today’s topics:Harris, Trump and surrogates have busy weekend of campaigning in GeorgiaHarris ends campaign on upbeat note, Trump continues dark themesGeorgia Republicans escalate attacks on counties that accepted ballots on weekendGeorgia ends early voting with record 4 million votes cast  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, hosts Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut, and Greg Bluestein sit down with State Election Board chairman John Fervier. Fervier discusses his opposition to controversial ballot processing rules and shares his perspective on the future of election oversight in Georgia.   Next, we explore the intersection of music and politics. With stars like Bruce Springsteen making appearances for candidates and popular songs played at rallies, music often takes center stage in presidential campaigns. But the Trump campaign has recently faced restrictions from artists who don’t want their work used. Music producer Issac Hayes III joins us to explain his actions to prevent Trump from using a song his father, the legendary Isaac Hayes, wrote.   We’ll wrap up the week by answering your questions from the listener mailbag and sharing our picks for who’s up and who’s down this week in politics.     Links to today’s topics: Georgia election board chair calls his GOP board colleagues "unprofessional" Judge overturns new state election board certification rules Watchdog group sues election board members for using private emails for public business Trump ordered to stop playing Issac Hayes music at rallies       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