

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

Oct 31, 2024 • 55min
Georgia’s early voting surge and a look at Gen Z’s influence in the 2024 race
With early voting nearing its end, more than 3 million Georgians have already cast their ballots in the presidential election. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, and Bill Nigut are joined by Ryan Anderson of Georgia Votes to analyze the latest trends and voter turnout. We then hear directly from Gen Z voters. UGA College Republican Michael O’Leary explains why he switched his voter registration from Florida to Georgia and encouraged other out-of-state students to do the same. Young Democrat Parker Short also shares what he hopes to hear from Vice President Kamala Harris and her surrogates, and highlights local Gen Z candidates on the ballot. Links to today’s topics: Georgia Votes latest early voting data Michelle Obama urges young voter turnout in Georgia College Republicans at UGA Young Democrats of 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

Oct 30, 2024 • 56min
Kamala Harris’s final pitch, leaders talk election integrity
With Election Day less than a week away, Kamala Harris delivers her closing campaign message, promising unity and inclusion, even for those who oppose her—setting a sharp contrast with Donald Trump’s rhetoric. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell break down Harris’s final pitch and the impact it could have on the race.The second half of the episode features a deep dive into election integrity. Bill Nigut moderates a panel with former Senator Saxby Chambliss, former Governor Roy Barnes, and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. They discuss the challenges of restoring trust in elections, how leaders can bridge political divides, and the mission of the Democracy Defense Project as voters head to the polls.We also take a moment to celebrate a big achievement—our first anniversary on WABE. Listen as we reflect on the stories and moments that have defined our first year. Links to today’s topics:Key moments from Kamala Harris speech at EllipseDid President Biden suggest Trump supporters are "garbage?"Georgia elected officials unite to restore faith in electionConspiracy vs. reality: most 2020 election fraud claims are debunked, but doubts linger anyway 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

Oct 29, 2024 • 55min
Georgia’s election countdown: Nate Silver’s take, Trump’s Atlanta rally and DeKalb’s Turnout Concerns
With just one week left until Election Day, nearly 3 million Georgians have already cast their ballots. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut speak with famed pollster Nate Silver. We’ll get his pulse on the Georgia race and hear his thoughts on critiques that some of his models are biased in favor of Donald Trump.We also break down Trump’s latest campaign push in Atlanta, with a rally at Georgia Tech aimed at energizing his base.Finally, we head to Dekalb County to examine lower-than-expected Democratic turnout. Longtime Democrat and Dekalb CEO Mike Thurmond joins us to share his thoughts on what these numbers could mean for Election Day and beyond. Links to today’s topics:Drama builds in Georgia as Trump, Harris enter final stretchTrump labels Harris a "fascist," flipping Democratic attacks on him 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

Oct 28, 2024 • 56min
James Carville Predicts a Kamala Harris Victory and Challenges ‘Woke’ Democrats
On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell interview the legendary James Carville, whose unorthodox strategies helped Bill Clinton become president. Once critical of Biden’s reelection chances, Carville now says Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to win the presidency.Bill and Tia discuss what changed his mind, why he’s clashing with “woke” Democrats, and how his personal and professional journey—featuring his marriage to Republican strategist Mary Matalin—is explored in a new documentary.Later, AP national politics reporter Meg Kinnard shares her insights on the campaign trail and what to expect as the election nears. Links to today’s topics:Carville: Winning Is Everything, StupidMeg Kinnard Newsletter: Ground Game 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

Oct 25, 2024 • 55min
Bruce Springsteen, Barack Obama urge voters to get out for Kamala Harris; AAPI voters on election
First up, Tia, Greg and Bill discuss the star-studded Kamala Harris rally last night in DeKalb County. Bruce Springsteen, former President Barack Obama, Tyler Perry and other luminaries urged the 20,000-plus crowd to turn out to vote for Harris. Then, Maya Prabhu joins the podcast to discuss how Georgia’s Asian American community is sizing up the presidential race. Korean American state Rep. Sam Park and Dr. Fun Fong, a fourth-generation Chinese American, join the conversation. Plus, it’s Friday, the day the hosts answer questions from the "Politically Georgia" listener mailbag and give their choices for who’s up and who’s down this week. Links Kamala Harris, Barack Obama urge Georgians to vote Democratic, Sprengstein serenades rally crowd Harris and Obama reach out to Black voters at rally Harris zeros in on Asian Americans in Georgia and other states Photo Essay on AAPI voters: More than a ‘margin of victory’ 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

Oct 25, 2024 • 55min
Georgians bombarded with campaign ads; Issues for LGBTQ voters
Early voting numbers are soaring in Georgia—and so is the spending on TV ads by both the Harris and Trump campaigns. On today's episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell explore the staggering $55 million ad blitz launched by both campaigns in the final stretch before Election Day. Political ad guru Rick Dent joins the podcast to break down the messaging strategies both sides are using to win over Georgia voters.Later, we take a closer look at LGBTQ issues playing a prominent role in the campaign. Jeff Graham, the longtime director of Georgia Equality, offers his perspective on how these issues are shaping campaign strategies and becoming a critical part of the conversation in this battleground state. Links to today’s topics:Georgians bombarded with presidential attack adsGOP ads attack Harris on transgender rights are dominating final stretch of presidential raceIn Atlanta, Harris urges voters to "turn the page" on TrumpHarris brings Georgia campaign to church as candidates battle for religious voteMonday report: latest data on early and absentee votesHave 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

Oct 24, 2024 • 55min
Trump touts hypermasculinity at Gwinnett rally
First up, state House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration discusses former President Donald Trump's rally last night in Gwinnett County. The Republican from Dacula tells the co-hosts to pay attention to Trump's policies, not necessarily his rhetoric. Then former Democratic state Senator Jen Jordan talks about the gender gap revealing that women voters favor Vice President Kamala Harris by wide margins while a majority of men remain firmly committed to Donald Trump. And the hosts preview Harris' upcoming rally with former President Obama in Atlanta tonight. Links Trump leads fiery, hypermasculine Gwinnett rally Patricia Murphy: How gender gap turned into 2024 battle of sexes Bruce Springsteen, former President Obama to headline Kamala Harris rally in Atlanta AJC: Georgia voters on presidential race and top issues 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

Oct 23, 2024 • 56min
Special edition: Politically Georgia tours live with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Congresswoman Lucy McBath
Politically Georgia hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut hosted a live-to-tape recording of ‘Politically Georgia’ in Atlanta. First up, Greg and Patricia are joined by special guests Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Then, Tia and Bill Nigut interview Congresswoman Lucy McBath. Plus, Tia sits down with our AJC political contributors Carolyn J. Bourdeaux, Geoff Duncan and Meagan Myers Hanson, and Dekalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. Links: Live AJC events Takeaways from the AJC’s final poll before the presidential election 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

Oct 22, 2024 • 56min
Trump pulls ahead in Georgia in new AJC poll with two weeks until Election Day
With just two weeks until Election Day, a new AJC poll shows former President Donald Trump pulling slightly ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris in Georgia. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut speak with UGA pollster Trey Hood to unpack the numbers and what they reveal about shifting voter sentiment.Former Congressman Doug Collins, a Trump ally, joins the podcast with his take on Georgia’s battleground status and a look ahead at his potential plans for the 2026 election cycle.Plus, we explore how the Hispanic community could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Brenda Lopez Romero of the Gwinnett Democrats and Republican state Senator Jason Anavitarte join us to discuss how both parties are engaging Latino voters during this critical final stretch. Links to today’s topics:Trump has a slight edge in Georgia over Harris, latest AJC poll findsAJC poll crosstabsHarris and Trump campaigns scramble to turn out Georgia votersThe first week of early voting in Georgia set daily recordsHave 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

Oct 18, 2024 • 55min
Kamala Harris courts Black Male voters & Georgia’s ballot measures explained
Kamala Harris is making a targeted appeal to Black men with new economic and health proposals, but will it be enough to win over this critical voting group? On today's episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut and Greg Bluestein speak with AJC reporter Ernie Suggs and Darius Jones of the National BlackEmpowerment Council to explore Harris' efforts and their potential impact. WABE political reporter Rahul Bali joins the podcast to explain Georgia’s amendments and statewide referendum to help voters cut through the legal jargon.Finally, the hosts answer your questions from the Politically Georgia listener mailbag and give you their political winners and losers in this week’s who’s up and who’s down segment. Links to today’s topics:Barack Obama and Kamala Harris will campaign together in GeorgiaGeorgia voters will decide three statewide measure in NovemberEarly voting in Georgia 2024: See how many ballots have been cast so far 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices