Politically Georgia

Vice President Kamala Harris vists Savannah today as part of her multi-stop "Reproductive Freedoms" tour. On today's episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut welcome state Sen. Derek Mallow to talk about Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Savannah. The hosts ask Mallow how Chatham County voters will respond to the Biden-Harris campaign’s focus on a woman’s right to choose as a top election issue.   Greg and Patricia share sound from their interview this week with Governor Kemp, who blames President Biden for not taking the executive actions he can to solve the crisis at the border. Today you'll hear from Kemp advisor Cody Hall who emphasizes concerns about solving issues at the border.  Plus, two more defendants in the Fulton County Trump election conspiracy case file motions to have Fani Willis dismissed from the case.  LINKS TO TODAY'S TOPICS  Vice President visits Savannah to promote reproductive rights  Kemp blames Biden for border crisis  Two more election conspiracy defendants file to have Willis removed from 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

A bipartisan group of Senate negotiators has reached a hard-fought agreement on border security measures. Today on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia” podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell introduce Emory University political science professor Andra Gillespie and immigration attorney Charles Kuck to dig deeper into what’s in the border security measure and discuss the fact that the bill gives Republicans much of what they’ve asked for, even as House GOP leaders say it will be dead on arrival in their chamber.   Meanwhile, President Joe Biden wins 96% of the vote in South Carolina’s Democratic primary over the weekend. But it was an imperfect test of his strength since he was competing against two virtual unknowns. Hear what imperfect conclusions may be drawn from the Biden victory.  Plus, the Fulton County district attorney's office files a motion acknowledging that DA Fani Willis is in a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. But the motion disputes many allegations made by defendants who want Willis dismissed from the case.  Links to today’s topics:  Senators release a border and Ukraine deal but the House speaker declares it 'dead on arrival'  President Joe Biden wins South Carolina’s Democratic primary as he gears up for his reelection bid  Fulton DA Fani Willis responds: A closer look at the allegations and her defense   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

Today on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia,"  the podcast welcomes state Rep. Esther Panitch. She was a co-sponsor of the measure that created a legal definition for antisemitism, which would enshrine it as part of the state’s hate crimes law. After Pantich worked two years on the bill, it passed and was signed into law this week by Gov. Brian Kemp.   Then, a conversation with new The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Macon Bureau Chief Joe Kovac Jr., who was the only reporter in the home of the parents of Kennedy Sanders, one of the three Georgia Army reservists killed by a drone attack in Jordan, when they received an emotional phone call from President Joe Biden.  Plus, South Carolina Democrats go to the polls to vote in their presidential primary. The hosts describe it as an imperfect test of Biden’s ability to turn out the coalition of voters who put him in the White House.  Finally, the hosts answer questions from the listener mailbag and name their choices for who’s up and who’s down this week.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New allegations against District Attorney Fani Willis energize critics of Fulton County's election-interference case against former President Donald Trump. On this encore episode of the AJC's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell talk with professors Anthony Michael Kreis and Fred Smith about the latest legal headlines.  First up, no evidence has yet emerged supporting a motion filed in Fulton County Superior Court alleging an inappropriate relationship between Willis and the special prosecutor she appointed to lead the Trump election conspiracy criminal case. But if it’s proved true, what impact could it have on the prosecution of the case? And what are the political implications for Willis, who is up for reelection this fall? Republicans are jumping on the charge to say it proves the case is purely political.  Then, a look at the federal civil trial brought by plaintiffs who say Georgia’s Dominion voting machines are vulnerable to hacks that might change the outcome of an election.  Plus, Greg Bluestein has a report on what Gov. Brian Kemp, state House Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones told a crowd of business leaders and others were the key elements of their agendas for the 2024 legislative session.    Links to today’s topics:  Court filing accuses Willis of improper relationship with top election conspiracy case prosecutor  GOP critics of election conspiracy case look to take action against Willis  Voting machine case raises questions about security of Dominion machines  Governor Kemp unveils big spending plans for 2024  Speaker calls for elimination of ballot bar codes    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

Today on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia,"  the hosts talk about President Joe Biden’s emotional phone conversation - reported exclusively by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution – with the parents of Kennedy Sanders, one of the three Georgia Army reservists killed in a drone attack in Jordan. The president tells Shawn and Oneida Oliver-Sanders that he is bestowing on their daughter a posthumous promotion to the rank of sergeant.  Then, the hosts discuss the long road to passage of the bill that will make antisemitism a part of the state’s hate crimes law. Gov. Brian Kemp is set to sign the bill into law today.  Plus, a look at U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s visit to the state Capitol, where he urged legislators to pass a bill creating a full expansion of Medicaid.  Then, Fair Fight, the group founded by Stacey Abrams in the aftermath of her 2018 gubernatorial race, has fallen on hard financial times. Once a money machine, the organization has been beset by large expenses, including massive legal bills as it challenged Georgia voting laws. To try to rebuild, the group is laying off staff and refocusing its mission more narrowly.   And, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been spared from testifying in the divorce proceedings of special prosecutor Nathan Wade and his estranged wife after the couple agrees to a settlement.   Links to today’s topics:  President's call to parents of fallen solider brings deep emotion The long road to passage of antisemitism measure Fair Fight faces massive debt, lays off staff and narrows focus  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

Today on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia," Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut, and Greg Bluestein talk to journalists Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman join the podcast to discuss their new book, “Find me the Votes: A Hard-Charging Prosecutor, a Rogue President and the Plot to Steal an Election.” The authors take an in-depth look at how Georgia became the focus of Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election, and how Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ investigation led to indictments against Trump and 18 co-defendants involving their attempts to undermine the legitimate election results.  Then, WABE reporter Sam Gringlas shares his story about how the threats and demonization by Trump allies against Fulton County election workers Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman have inspired a surge of people to line up to work at polling places across Fulton County.   Plus, the hosts pay tribute to the three Georgia Army reservists killed in a drone attack in Jordan, and they add words of sympathy following the death of state House Rules Chairman Richard Smith of Columbus.   Links to today’s topics:  Nuggets from "Find me the Votes" Surge of election workers inspired by Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman Three Georgia reservists killed in Jordan The pain will never go away - mother of reservist What to know about Georgia army reservists killed in Jordan  Georgia House rules chair Richard Smith dies  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

Today on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia," Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut, and Tia Mitchell talks with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin. After serving 14 years in the Senate, Manchin has announced he won’t run for another term and is the subject of speculation he may launch an independent bid for president. Manchin came to Atlanta as part of a “listening tour” that he says will give him a better feel for how Georgians and voters in other states he’s visiting are feeling about politics today. On Friday, he participated in an extended town meeting hosted by Atlanta Journal-Constitution politics reporter Greg Bluestein.  Then, Nikki Haley continues baiting Donald Trump as the South Carolina GOP primary unfolds. Biden and Trump exchange attacks over efforts by the U.S. Senate to pass a bipartisan border security bill.  Plus, the podcast welcomes Pearl Dowe, professor of African American studies, Emory University. The author of “The Radical Imagination of Black Women: Politics, Ambition and Power,” Dowe talks about the history of Black women as forces in organizing grassroots issues around important issues and as candidates for office. And she delves into the problems Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is facing as allegations about an inappropriate relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade continue to embroil her in controversy.   Links to today’s topics:  Manchin teases potential presidential run Watch Manchin-Bluestein town meeting  Dowe:The Radical Imagination of Black Women    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

Summary: Today on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia," Greg Bluestein moderates a live town hall with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin at Georgia State University.   In this wide-ranging and exclusive interview, the duo discusses Manchin’s decision not to run for reelection this year. Bluestein also asks for updates as Manchin considers a third-party run.    Plus, Manchin also spoke about various foreign policy issues related to Ukraine, Russia and the Israel-Hamas conflict.    And, Manchin fielded questions from students while also encouraging them to get involved in public service.   Links to today’s topics:  WATCH LIVE: AJC town hall with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin  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", hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut talk to their editor-in-chief, Leroy Chapman.  First up, they get Chapman’s take on the South Carolina primary. He walks us through where Democrats and Republicans stand as a native of the Palmetto State.    Then, the crew pivots to the Legislature as a bill condemning antisemitism passes in both chambers. The trio also talks about the renewed effort to legalize sports betting.    And, a conversation with the longest-serving Hispanic legislator in the Georgia Assembly, Pedro Marin. Marin announced that he will retire after 22 years under the Gold Dome.    Plus, it’s Friday, so we spend time answering your questions from the viewer mailbag.  Links to today’s topics: PG A.M.: Odds improve for sports betting as top Senate Democrat backs bid  OPINION: The case for Nikki Haley to stay in the race  Georgia’s longest-serving Latino legislator is retiring  Georgia lawmakers, in support of Israel, pass bill that would define antisemitism in state law  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" representatives of the secretary of state’s office to talk about the battles Brad Raffensperger is fighting on two fronts. The Legislature is making a second effort to give the State Election Board the responsibility to oversee the operations of the secretary of state’s office in managing elections. And the office is now in federal court defending itself in a lawsuit filed by a liberal voting rights group that alleges the state’s Dominion voting machines are vulnerable to hacking.  Then, the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary is sneaking up on most political observers. It will take place in a little more than one week. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley is doing her best to goad Donald Trump into revealing the worst aspects of his character as the South Carolina Republican primary campaign gets underway. AJC Savannah bureau chief Adam Van Brimmer joins the conversation.   Plus, the state Senate appears set to pass a bill defining antisemitism. The measure would make it easier to punish antisemitic acts under Georgia’s hate crimes law.  Links to today’s topics: Bill would allow investigations of Raffensperger Witness in federal trial shows how voting machines can be hacked  Haley pins hopes on home state primary Trump warns Haley donors to stop funding Haley Senate revives antisemitism bill 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