Politically Georgia

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

On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut, and Patricia Murphy honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter. From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to his trailblazing political career as governor and U.S. president, and his lifelong humanitarian efforts through The Carter Center, Carter’s impact is profound and enduring.Through archival audio, interviews, and reflections, we explore key moments in his journey—his fight for civil rights, the establishment of the Carter Center, and his legacy of diplomacy and service. We’re joined by political and personal voices, including Carter family members, long-time allies, and leaders who worked alongside him, to offer a heartfelt remembrance of the man known as Georgia’s president and a global humanitarian. Links to today’s topics:Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100Carter Center came to former president in a dreamJimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s long and (mostly) happy marriageA timeline: Ten of Jimmy Carter’s major accomplishmentsCarter’s presidency started well, but stalled amid challengesJimmy Carter’s term as Georgia governor was marked a successJimmy Carter, a man of implacable faith, lived his valuesJimmy, Rosalynn Carter built Habitat for Humanity’s reputationHave 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

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut walks AJC editorial cartoonist through his remarkable career, from selling insurance door-to-door to his long tenure at the AJC, where he’s won two Pulitzer Prizes for his exceptional work. Links to today’s topics:Recent Luckovich cartoonsThe Luckovich portfolio of cartoons that won the 1995 Pulitzer PrizeThe Luckovich cartoon portfolio that won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize  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 Christmas edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy reflect on a blockbuster political year and answer your top questions from the listener mailbag. We explore the 2024 election cycle, the state Election Board, and what’s next for the economy.We also look ahead to the next legislative session, President-elect Trump’s goals for his new administration, and the potential contenders for Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial race.Finally, producer Natalie Mendenhall sits down with Dr. Drew Westen, a psychologist and professor emeritus at Emory, for guidance on discussing politics with family during the holiday season. Dr. Westen shares expert advice on fostering understanding and keeping conversations productive, whether you’re reaching across the dinner table or the political aisle.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 U.S. House has rejected a second attempt to pass a bill that would keep the government funded until next spring, bringing the nation closer to a partial federal shutdown. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Greg Bluestein discuss what this means for Georgia farmers waiting for Hurricane Helene relief and share Governor Kemp’s pointed reaction to the congressional gridlock. AJC Washington correspondent Tia Mitchell joins us with the latest updates from Capitol Hill. We also examine the fallout from a stunning state appeals court ruling disqualifying Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office from prosecuting the 2020 election interference case against Donald Trump and his co-defendants. What happens next? Finally, we dive into your questions from the listener mailbag and share our picks for who’s up and who’s down in politics this week.  Links to today’s topics:38 Republicans join Democrats to reject Trump-approved funding packageCongress in disarray as Georgians press for disaster reliefCourt ruling another blow to Fani Willis in a year of setbacksKey players weigh in on Fani Willis' disqualification from Trump election conspiracy caseGeorgia appeals court removes Fani Willis from Trump election conspiracy case  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

In breaking news, the Georgia Court of Appeals has ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office should be removed from the 2020 election interference case. This bombshell decision upends the last remaining criminal case against incoming President Donald Trump. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, and Bill Nigut analyze the implications of the ruling and its impact on Georgia politics.We also explore the latest updates on Atlanta’s police training center, which is nearing completion despite years of controversy. AJC’s Riley Bunch shares insights from her tour of the facility and its anticipated opening.Next, we speak with Attorney General Chris Carr, who has officially launched his campaign for Georgia governor. Carr discusses why he entered the race early and his vision for leading the Peach State.Finally, we break down Congress’s failed funding negotiations, which included over $100 billion in disaster aid. We’ll look at the pressure from President-elect Trump and Elon Musk on Republican lawmakers and assess the chances of avoiding a government shutdown.  Links to today’s topics: Georgia Court of Appeals strips Fulton DA Fani Willis of Trump election interference case Despite years of controversy, Atlanta’s training center is finally builtGeorgia AG Chris Carr launches GOP campaign for governor, kicking off 2026 raceDetails of continuing resolution compromise now scuttled by Trump  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