Politically Georgia

On today's episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Politically Georgia" podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut talk to Insurance Commissioner John King and attorney Charlie Bailey. King is a native of Mexico with a background in the military and law enforcement, and so he has a unique perspective on the border security debate that has become a top issue in the 2024 election. Then, the hosts talk with Atlanta attorney Charlie Bailey. Bailey worked as a prosecutor in the Fulton County district attorney’s office and had a close working relationship with Fani Willis. He believes the motions to dismiss Willis from the election conspiracy case against former President Donald Trump are without merit and will be rejected by Judge Scott McAfee. Finally, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut discuss the latest polls of South Carolina voters as the GOP primary approaches this Saturday.  LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS   ----- Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. 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 Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell talk to Georgia African Methodist Episcopal Bishop Reginald Jackson. Bishop Jackson talks about the coalition of churches that is coming together to encourage Black voters to reengage in politics in this election year.  Then, Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Nedra Rhone discusses her column in which she described how women, and Black women especially, may have viewed Fani Willis’ testimony in a different light in the hearing to dismiss her from the election conspiracy case against former President Donald Trump.   Finally, Nikki Haley has announced a slate of supporters in Georgia, suggesting that she plans to stay in the race until the state’s March 12 primary. But will she?   LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS   Black Georgia churches form voter alliance NY Times: Black coaltion The aim isn't just to disqualify Willis. It's to discredit her Haley announces slate of Georgia backers Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. 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 Bill Nigut, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell talk to Norm Eisen, who served as ethics czar in the Obama administration. Eisen discusses the implications of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ explosive testimony pushing back on defense lawyers who want her severed from the election conspiracy case against former President Donald Trump.  Then, the hosts discuss how the Willis hearing may affect the political futures of the participants: Willis is up for reelection in November, and so is Scott McAfee, the judge presiding over the hearing. And, of course, they look at how Willis’ testimony and the allegations against her might affect Trump’s election campaign. Finally, questions from the listener mailbag, and who’s up and who’s down for the week.  LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS   In fiery testimony Willis confronts allegations of misconduct  Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. 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 Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut talk to former State Sen. Jen Jordan and colleague Mark Niesse. Jordan discusses the hearing that could determine whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade should be disqualified from the election conspiracy case against former President Donald Trump.  Then, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Mark Niesse joins the hosts to look at a decision by the State Election Board to reject a proposal to end no-excuse absentee voting.  Niesse also discusses his article reporting that the organization that alleged Georgia election fraud in the widely viewed film “2000 Mules” couldn’t provide evidence to back up its claims.  Finally, the hosts look at the status of several high-profile bills in the legislature as the second half of the session begins.  LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS   Blockbuster hearing could make or break Trump case Election board rejects effort to end no excuse absentee voting True the Vote fails to show evidence for Georgia fraud claims  Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. 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 Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell welcome the dynamic duo of Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson.  First up, Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene pushed for months to have U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas impeached. Now, she’s succeeded with her goal. Georgia’s delegation was split along party lines with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed. The final vote was 214-213. Georgia Republicans in the U.S. House blame Mayorkas for a flood of immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. The matter now moves to the Senate, where Democrats hold control of the chamber. So how far can this matter go? Meanwhile, Gov. Brian Kemp pledged to send a small contingent of National Guard troops to the Texas border. Then, Democrats won a key special congressional election last night in New York. Democrat Tom Suozzi won the seat that had been held by George Santos, making the Republican majority in the House even more fragile. And, the State Election Board voted against ending no-excuses absentee voting.  LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS   Georgia Republicans celebrate Mayorkas impeachment, urge Senate to act Georgia GOP Gov. Brian Kemp says he will aid Texas governor's border standoff with Biden Why AP declared Tom Suozzi the winner of the George Santos seat: Race call explained  Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. 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 Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut welcome Republican state Sen. Jason Anavitarte. Anavitarte is the sponsor of a bill the Senate has already passed to create a tax holiday for the purchase of guns and gun safety devices.   He also said he approves of Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to send more Georgia National Guard troops to the Texas border to help secure it against illegal crossings, and like Kemp, he blamed President Joe Biden for not enhancing border security.    Then, Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor Shannon McCaffrey joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming court hearing that could determine whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is dismissed from the election conspiracy case against former President Donald Trump over issues involving her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.  Plus, the hosts discuss Kemp’s high-profile appearances last weekend during which he criticized Trump repeatedly without once mentioning the former president by name. Kemp criticizes Trump but doesn't mention his name.  LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS  Senate approves gun tax holiday Kemp blames Biden for border crisis Judge oks hearing to examine relationship of Trump prosecutors Kemp criticizes Trump but doesn't mention his name  Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. 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, the AJC's Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell talk with state rep. Mary Margaret Oliver about her opposition to a bill broadening crimes requiring cash bail. They also discuss her take on school vouchers, her concerns about the state Senate investigation of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and more.   Then, reporter Ernie Suggs joins the podcast to discuss his role in leading coverage of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Black History Month features. He shares some of his favorite stories about the achievements of Black Georgians in arts and culture, the theme of this year’s February tribute to African Americans.  Plus, Tia Mitchell talks about the effort in the U.S. Senate to pass a bill that would give new funding to the war efforts in Israel and Ukraine.   LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS  Senate approves expanding cash bail AJC Black History Features Senate set to vote on Israel, Ukraine funding Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. 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, the AJC's Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut, Greg Bluestein and Patricia murphy discuss reaction from Georgia Democrats to special counsel Robert Hur’s characterization of President Joe Biden as having “diminished faculties in advancing age.” Although Hur said Biden wouldn’t face charges for holding on to classified documents, his comments troubled Democrats who worry that the observations about age reinforce those who think he is too old to serve a second term. Hear how Lt. Governor Burt Jones is playing a direct role in trying to punish Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in an exclusive interview with Greg Bluestein.   Plus, a look at how the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on whether to remove Donald Trump from the Colorado ballot could affect a similar Georgia effort.  Finally, we answer a question from our listener mailbag, and we have this week's winners and losers in the who’s up and who’s down segment for this week.  LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS Georgia Democrats stress about special counsel report Burt Jones blesses GOP efforts to punish Fani Willis Why some Democrats are trying to disqualify Trump from Georgia ballot  Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on tomorrow’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. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on former President Donald Trump’s ballot case.  On today's episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether former President Donald Trump should be kicked off the 2024 ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled to remove Trump from that state’s ballot. The argument was based on the insurrectionist clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  Right here in Georgia, there is an effort to remove Trump from the ballot. Rep. Derrick Jackson, a Democrat from Tyrone, is sponsoring the Oath Act.   And in Washington, Republicans kill a border security bill in a sign of Trump's strength.   LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS Oyez, oyez, oyez: A listener's guide to Supreme Court arguments over Trump and the ballot  Georgia Lawmaker's Bill Would Bar Trump from 2024 Ballot  Opinion: Another missed chance on the border in Congress  OPINION: Border politics are worse for Joe Biden than anyone else   Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on tomorrow’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 Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell welcome DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and Georgia State University professor Anthony Michael Kreis to the show.  First up, the hosts go over the failed effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. There were four Republican “no” votes on impeachment, but none from Georgia. The Georgia delegation voted along party lines.  Then, over in the Senate, it appears that the bipartisan measure to strengthen border security is now in trouble.  Plus, a federal appeals panel ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump can face trial on charges that he plotted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, rejecting the former president's claims that he is immune from prosecution. This, as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a case Thursday to decide whether Trump is eligible to serve a second term in office after his conduct surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.    And back in Georgia, two more of Trump's co-defendants said Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be removed from their election interference case, accusing her of prosecutorial misconduct.   LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS House fails to impeach Homeland Security chief Mayorkas  Trump is not immune from prosecution in his 2020 election interference case, US appeals court says  Trump's presidential bid hangs in the balance at the Supreme Court. Here's what to know  More Trump defendants call for Willis removal in Ga. election case   Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on tomorrow’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