Politically Georgia

State representative Shelly Hutchinson is headed to Chicago as a delegate to next week’s Democratic National convention. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Hutchinson talks about how Kamala Harris has sparked new excitement and “joy” among Democrats who now believe they have a good chance to win the White House.    Later, Melita Easters, founder and executive director of the Georgia WIN List joins the podcast to look at how Kamala Harris’ ascension to the top of the ticket may be giving Democratic pro-choice legislative candidates she’s recruited a stronger chance to win in down ballot races. And she tells the hosts that talking about issues - not gender - is a key to success for local candidates as well as Kamala Harris.   Then, the hosts discuss an article from the Guardian which alleges that Georgia state election board member Rick Jeffares asked a former Trump administration official to propose him as regional director of the EPA if Trump wins in November. Jeffares denies the allegation, and GOP state party chair Josh McKoon has called it a smear job     Links to today's topics: Kamala Harris' anti-Hillary Clinton strategy for winning the White House State election board member denies asking Trump allies for administration job Wealthy Georgians open their wallets for 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.”             Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Shane Backler Editor- Matt Owen  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shirley Franklin’s parallels with Kamala Harris are significant: Franklin became the first African American woman to be elected mayor of a major southern American city.    On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, the AJC’s Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell hosts ask the former mayor if she learned lessons during her campaign that may be of value for Vice President Harris’ campaign.   Later, Josh McKoon, the chairman of Georgia’s Republican Party joins the podcast to discuss how state Republicans plan to counter the issues Democrats will showcase at their convention next week.    Plus, Georgia Democrats are frustrated that Governor Kemp turned down a federal; grant to give low-income families with school children a helping hand with buying groceries. Kemp was one of about a dozen governors to turn down the aid, which was established to replace the school meals that students don’t get during summer breaks.     Links to today's topics: The Wisdom and wit of Shirley Franklin Democrats rebuke Kemp for turning down food aid for families in need     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.”             Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Shane Backler Editor- Matt Owen  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, AJC elections reporter Mark Niesse joins the podcast to discuss how the MAGA-controlled state election board appears to be passing rules that could allow Donald Trump to challenge the results of the Georgia election is he loses the state.   Then, the hosts discuss the conversation between Trump supporter Elon Musk and Trump on Musks’ platform X. Trump used the opportunity to attack Fulton County DA Fani Willis for her continuing effort to try him as part of a broader election conspiracy case.   Plus, former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has written a children’s book, extending his late wife Sandra’s deep commitment to raising literacy rates in the state. And Deal talks a little politics, too.     Links to today's topics: Election board approves new "inquiry" for certifying election results  Trump and Musk talk assassination attempt and deportations during glitchy X conversation Former Governor Deal pens children's book about "Veto the Governor's Cat"   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.”             Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Shane Backler Editor- Matt Owen   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, prominent Georgia immigration attorney Charles Kuck joins the AJC’s Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell to fact check claims being made by both the Trump and Harris campaigns about the crisis at the southern border.But first, Rep. Sanford Bishop joins the podcast to discuss Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz’s voting record and ability to work across the aisle during Walz’s six terms in the U.S. House.Plus, Tia and Bill discuss news about the upcoming Democratic convention in Chicago, including the announcement that Jimmy Carter’s grandson Jason has been chosen to give a speech at the convention. Other Georgia Democrats are likely to have speaking roles, too.Links to today's topics:Two Georgia Democrats say enthusiasm for Tim Walz is "through the roof"Republicans in Atlanta sharpen attacks on Harris and WalzHere's a look at questions about Walz's military recordHarris fights back on Trump immigration attacks at Atlanta rallyAre Trump attacks on Kemp going to hurt down ballot Republicans?  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.”      Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Senator Jon Ossoff joins the AJC’s Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut to discuss the bill now signed into law that creates an oversight mechanism to monitor federal prisons. The new law is the result of an investigation Ossoff led for some two years, looking into dangerous conditions for both inmates and staff.Then, Greg Bluestein reports live from Erick Erickson’s Gathering, a national conference of conservative leaders, which features two days of remarks by top Republicans, including Governor Kemp and Georgia attorney general Chris Carr. It will be an opportunity to see whether Kemp has a response to the attacks launched against him by Donald Trump.Plus,we answer your questions from the listener mailbag and give you our picks for who’s up and who’s down this week.  Links to today's topics:President signs Ossoff bill strengthen oversight of crisis-plagued federal prisonsCongress passes Ossoff federal prison oversight measureTrump's GOP Georgia targets take center stage at conservative conferenceTrump attack on Brian Kemp opens fresh wounds in GOP party unityHave 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.”      Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School superintendent Richard Woods has reversed his initial decision to deny state funding for a new Advanced Placement African American history curriculum.  On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, state Senator Nikki Merritt joins the AJC’s Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut to discuss the decision to move forward with funding for the program in Georgia’s public schools.But first,  Stephen Lawson, a former top aide to Republican Speaker of the Georgia House Jon Burns joins the podcast to talk about the damage Donald Trump’s attacks on Governor Brian Kemp may do to party unity and Trump’s efforts to win Georgia.Plus, there are indications from election projection experts and a new private poll that Kamala Harris is turning the tide in Georgia's presidential race. The state is now rated a tossup by Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball and the Cook Report.Links to today's topics:Trump attack on Brian Kemp opens fresh wounds in GOP party unityGeorgia school superintendent reverses course on AP African American history courseSabato Crystal Ball: Georgia back to toss up stateHave 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.”      Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris holds her first rally with her new running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell talk with Democratic DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond about the roll out of the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket at a rally in Philadelphia.  Thurmond weighs in, too, on the decision by state school superintendent Richard Woods to reject certifying the new African American studies Advanced Placement curriculum for Georgia schools.Then, election law expert and state Representative Saira Draper responds to the state election board’s vote to add a rule that could slow down or block local election officials from certifying the results of elections.  Links to today's topics:Harris-Walz campaign to highlight VP pick's military tie to GeorgiaHarris-Walz, Trump-Vance now a battle for Sun Belt and Rust BeltDo African Americans but Trump claim that immigrants are taking Black jobs?Georgia election board approves new "inquiry" for certifying election results 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.”      Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris chooses Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 presidential election.  On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut look at Harris’ choice of running mate and the official Democratic ticket.Former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan weighs in on the vice presidential picks and he discusses the Georgia GOP effort to drum him out of the Republican Party for his endorsement of Kamala Harris. Duncan also responds to Donald Trump’s attacks on Governor Kemp at a rally in Atlanta last weekend.Republican House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration joins the podcast to discuss Donald Trump’s chances of winning Georgia, his legislative proposal to address homelessness and more.And former Atlanta Mayor and Harris ally Kasim Reed enters the discussion on whether the selection of Tim Walz will help Harris’ chances of winning Georgia.   Links to today's topics:Harris picks Tim Walz as running mateGeorgia Democrats rally around Tim WalzGeoff Duncan: A Harris presidency would give Republicans time to purge TrumpismGeorgia GOP wants to ban Duncan from running as a Republican  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.”      Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At his Saturday rally in Atlanta, former President Donald Trump attacked Governor Brian Kemp and other Georgia Republicans wile claiming he won the 2020 presidential election. On today’s episode of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy  look at Donald Trump’s grievance-filled weekend rally in Atlanta. Then, a discussion of Kamala Harris’ top choices for a running mate as she prepares to announce her pick. While there was no infighting about Harris becoming the Democratic nominee for president, Different wings of the party are feuding about who her VP should be.Plus, state GOP leaders demand that former Republican Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan stop calling himself a Republican. And they say that he will be barred from running on any Georgia Republican ballot moving forward. And Jimmy Carter, less than two months from a milestone 100th birthday says his real goal is getting to vote for Kamala Harris.  Links to today's topics:Trump attacks on Kemp revive internal GOP warDonald Trump's "stupid" swipes at Kemp at terrible time for state GOPA look at Harris VP optionsGeorgia GOP wants to stop Duncan from ever running as a RepublicanJimmy Carter says next goal is voting for Kamala HarrisHave 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.”      Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump holds his first joint rally in Atlanta Saturday with his newly christened running mate U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio. On today’s episode of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut and former AJC politics columnist Jim Galloway look ahead to the rally being held at the same location as Vice President Kamala Harris’ rally this past week. AP national politics reporter Meg Kinnard joins to look at why Democrats have embraced so quickly the description of Donald Trump and JD Vance as “weird.”But first, the podcast explores the ongoing controversy over Georgia school superintendent Richard Woods’ refusal to certify the new African American studies Advanced Placement curriculum. Woods’ claims that portions of the course violate the state’s “divisive concepts” law. AJC education reporter Maureen Downy joins the discussionPlus, Bill and Jim answer questions that came in this week during our weekly listener mailbag segment. Links to today's topics:Outrage follows Georgia school super’s rejection of AP African American history courseDowney: How Georgia drama over AP African American history course unfoldedSchool superintendent claims some of AP Africam American history course may violate state lawKinnard: Why Harris and Democrats keep calling Trump and Vance "weird"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.”     Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices