Politically Georgia

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

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