

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 3, 2024 • 55min
Newly unsealed filing highlights Georgia’s role in case against Donald Trump
A federal judge in Washington released the most comprehensive narrative to date of the 2020 election conspiracy case against former President Donald Trump. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Georgia State University professor Anthony Michael Kreis joins us to break down the filing and what it means for Trump’s case in Georgia. But first, Georgia’s attorney general is appealing a judge’s ruling that struck down the state’sheartbeat abortion law. We’re joined by Georgia ACLU executive director Andrea Young who explains where things stand for women’s reproductive care in Georgia and what next steps are moving forward.Later, how the longshoremen strike affects Georgia’s busy ports and when we could start seeing shortages at the grocery store. AJC Savannah Bureau Chief Adam Van Brimmer joins us with updates. Links to today’s topics:Georgia attorney general appeals a judge's rollback of abortion banNew court filing highlights Georgia’s role in case against Donald TrumpDockworkers go on strike at Georgia’s ports: What to know 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 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

Oct 2, 2024 • 54min
Walz, Vance face off in the vice presidential debate
In what is likely to be the final debate between the campaigns this election season, Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz debated a wide range of issues Tuesday night in the CBS News vice presidential debate. Though it was a largely civil debate, there were some false and misleading claims made by the candidates. Politifact editor-in-chief Katie Sanders joins the podcast to fact check the claims made by Vance and Walz.Then, AJC reporter Dave Wickert gibes us a look at the more than 22 lawsuits that have been filed challenging rules and procedures related to the state election board and other aspects of voting in Georgia this year.Later, a report on Kamala Harris’ plan to visit Hurricane Helene-ravaged Augusta today and Governor Kemp’s continuing tours of devastated areas of the state. The AJC’s Greg Bluestein has been traveling Helene-ravaged areas with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and joins us live from Augusta ahead of Vice President Harris’s visit.Links to today’s topics:5 takeaways from the vice presidential debateKamala Harris is traveling to Georgia to survey the state’s storm damageGeorgia finds itself in a courtroom blitz as another big election approaches 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 1, 2024 • 56min
Abortions up to 22 weeks legal in Georgia again after judge’s ruling
On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgiapodcast, we first mark President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday today - amilestone never before reached by a former president. AJC reporter Ernie Suggstalks about what life is like for the former president as he continues at age100 in his 19th month of home hospice in Plains.Bill Nigut interviews Chuck Leavell, who was a member of the Allman Brothers bandwhen they formed a lasting relationship with Jimmy Carter.Then, AJC legislative reporter Maya Prabhu joins the podcast for a discussion on howFulton County Judge Robert McBurney reached his stunning decision blockingGeorgia’s so-called heartbeat abortion law from continuing ineffect. Plus,we preview tonight’s vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance. Links to today’s topics: At 100, Carter's lifeis quiet and routineOn his 100th birthdayrelive thee ten moments from Jimmy Carter's lifePhotos: Jimmy Carterthrough the yearsProud peanut farminglegacy of Jimmy Carter lives on with new generationJudge strikes downGeorgia's abortion ban Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour PoliticallyGeorgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question andanswer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. 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

Oct 1, 2024 • 55min
Trump, Georgia elected officials tour Hurricane Helene devastation in Valdosta, Augusta
Hurricane Helene is already becoming a campaign issue. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein discuss Donald Trump’s planned visit to hurricane-ravaged Valdosta and look at other state elected officials who have been touring areas of the state that have been devastated by Hurricane Helene.Later, we talk to Georgia OB-GYN Dr. Nisha Verma who talks about what it's like to practice under Georgia's restrictive abortin law.Then, state Senator Ed Setzler, the author of the six-week state abortion ban joins the podcast to respond to Dr. Verma’s comments.Links to today’s topics: Trump to tour storm-wracked ValdostaPresidential candidates spar over response to Hurricane Helene in GeorgiaFlooding, power outages continue after Helene devastationPatricia Murphy: Georgia abortion law left these women's lives in shambles 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

Sep 27, 2024 • 55min
Governor Kemp talks to Politically Georgia about Hurricane Helene devastation
On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Governor Brian Kemp joins the podcast to talk about the widespread devastation that much of Georgia has experienced as Hurricane Helene roared through the state. Top political aide to Governor Kemp, Cody Hall, describes the importance of bipartisan cooperation between the GOP state government and the Democratic Biden Administration as the weather emergency unfolded. Then, Harris campaign strategist Dan Kanninen looks at the sensitive question of how to promote the Harris campaign objectives in Georgia even as so many in the state are trying to recover from the storm, and then describes the Harris strategy for winning Georgia. Finally, Georgia Department of Transportation spokesperson Natalie Dale gives us an update on road conditions across Georgia and offers safety tips for avoiding dangerous driving conditions. Links to today’s topics: Helene in Georgia: six dead, widespread flooding, one million without power Georgia statewide power outage map Helene's wrath tests Georgia's revamped emergency operations Weather photos: Hurricane Helene strikes 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

Sep 26, 2024 • 55min
Democrats sue Governor Kemp to force him to investigate three members of the state election board
Democrats announced that they have filed a lawsuit against Governor Brian Kemp in an effort to force the governor to act on an ethics complaint they filed earlier against three members of the State Election Board. On today’s episode of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Fulton County Election Board chair Cathy Woolard, who filed the complaint, joins us to talk about the suit. Then, A.M.E. Bishop Reginald Jackson, who has overseen 500 A.M.E. churches in Georgia has been a leader in registering and turning out to the polls Black voters across the state. He’s now been assigned to a new A.M.E. district and joins the podcast to discuss how mobilization of Black voters in the state will move forward without his leadership. And later, National Weather Service meteorologist David Nadler gives the latest updates on Hurricane Helene as it bears down on much of Georgia. Links to today’s topics: Democrats sue Governor Kemp demanding investigation of state election board Complaint asks Kemp to dismiss three election board members Patricia Murphy: Who's in charge of state election board? Nobody it seems AME Bishop Jackson looks back on years of service in Georgia Helene could bring "lfe threatening" floods to Atlanta, North Georgia Georgia closings, events cancellations due to Helene 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

Sep 25, 2024 • 48min
Trump reverses course, now calls Brian Kemp “fantastic”
At a campaign stop in Savannah on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump touted his pledge to boost domestic manufacturing by luring foreign companies with tax cuts and the threat of tariffs. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein talk about Trump’s visit to Savannah yesterday and discusses what led to Trump’s high praise for Governor Brian Kemp. In a visit to the state just seven weeks ago, Trump had harsh words for Kemp, calling him a bad governor. Then, as election day approaches, dozens of polls will be released that will purport to give a snapshot of where the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump stands. Emory University professor of political science Andra Gillepsie and campaign advertising expert Rick Dent join the podcast to offer insights about how to determine which polls are offering the most accurate picture of where the contest stands. Links to today’s topics: Trump reverses course, calls Gov. Kemp "fantastic"Kamala Harris to roll out economic plan in contrast to TrumpAJC poll finds Trump, Harris locked in tight raceRealClear politics poll compilation 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

Sep 24, 2024 • 48min
Trump returns to his “must-win state” Georgia after long absence
Former President Donald Trump is returning to the Georgia today for the first time in nearly two months with a campaign stop in Savannah. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, former Savannah state Senator Eric Johnson joins the podcast to discuss the mood of voters along the Southeast coast as they prepare to vote in the presidential election. They also put Trump’s visit in the context of his recent encouragement of MAGA members of the state election board to pass new rules that could have a major impact in voe counting and certifying by local election officials.Then, AJC education reporter Martha Dalton joins us as Apalachee High School students return to class today for the first time since a gunman killed four people at the school a little more than two weeks ago. Links to today’s topics: Preview: Trump's visit to SavannahTrump works to blunt Harris momentum with visit to SavannahTrump is returning to Georgia for first time in almost two monthsState election board passes rule that could delay results of Georgia's presidential vote"Huge step:" Apalachee students return to school after deadly shootingNew details about Apalachee High shooting revealed as school reopens todayHealing through joy: The Rock meets with Apalachee High school football 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

Sep 23, 2024 • 49min
Will new election board rules lead to election night chaos?
Georgia’s election board on Friday approved new rules requiring poll workers to count the number of paper ballots by hand after voting is completed. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell are joined by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Georgia state Senator Gloria Butler to discuss the rules changes being made by the MAGA-dominated state election board. Raffensperger believes the board may be acting outside its authority to pass rules that could create chaos at local polling sites on election night. Then, after a long absence from Georgia, Donald Trump returns to the state to hold an event in Savannah on Tuesday. His absence has worried state Republicans because most agree thatTrump must win Georgia to retake the White House. His running mate JD Vance campaignsin Flowery Branch in Hall County on Thursday. Links to today’s topics: State election board passes rule that could delay results of Georgia's presidential voteHow new election board rules could lead to disputes over resultsTrump is returning to Georgia for first time in almost two months 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

Sep 20, 2024 • 48min
“You’re looking at mother who is broken:” Mother of Georgian Amber Thurman who died when denied medical care in pregnancy emergency
On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’sPolitically Georgia podcast, Seneca Project co-founder Tara Stemayer joins the podcastto discuss the organization’s bi-partisan effort to motivate women in swingstates to turn out to vote. They look at Kamala Harris’ visit to Atlanta todaywhere she’ll highlight the numbers of women who have died or had medicalemergencies when strict abortion laws like Georgia’s have prevented them fromgetting care. Then, Yana Batra joins the podcast todiscuss the planned walkout of students in schools across Georgia as they callof stricter gun safety laws in the aftermath of the mass shooting at ApalacheeHigh School in Barrow County. And later, the hosts answer questionsfrom the Politically Georgia listener mailbag and give their choices for who’sup and who’s down this week. Links to today’s topics: KamalaHarris travels to Atlanta after reports of two women who died due to Georgiaabortion restrictionsAJCpoll: Will abortion be a top issue in Georgia? Harris hopes soGeorgiastudents plan walkout to demand tougher gun safety measures Have a question or comment for theshow? 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 segmenton next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcastfor free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Youcan also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Credits Executive producer- Shane BacklerProducer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane Backler Editor- Devan Kortan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices