

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

Sep 15, 2023 • 1h 5min
GOP divided over Biden impeachment inquiry
What is the Georgia Republicans’ message as Congress careens toward a possible government shutdown?Plus, you’ll hear how a federal redistricting trial ending today could open the door for Democrats to win an additional seat in the U.S. House. We’ll look at the stakes in the trial.And you’ll hear our hosts discuss how new indictments of Hunter Biden could complicate Democrats’ re-election strategy. You’ll also hear answer to your questions in our listener mailbag segment, which you can now call into. The number to the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline is 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. Links to today's topics:Speaker McCarthy directs the House to open an impeachment inquiry into President BidenGeorgia’s ‘MAGA’ wing lauds launch of Biden impeachment inquiry The Jolt: Why Kemp continues to challenge Trump and his misleading claimsGeorgia redistricting trial begins with focus on Black representationFirst lady Jill Biden to tour Emory cancer research programs on FridayHunter Biden indicted on federal firearms charges in long-running probe weeks after plea deal failedSubscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 13, 2023 • 59min
Georgia Republicans help force an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden
In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Bill Nigut, and Tia Mitchell discuss the demands from Georgia Republicans that helped trigger an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden.Plus, you’ll hear why former Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue were in the crosshairs of the Fulton County probe into Donald Trump. And what happens next in the standoff between Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan.Our hosts also look into the conditions of the Fulton County Jail and what needs to be done about the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has gained the attention of the Department of Justice.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.Links to today's topics: Speaker McCarthy directs the House to open an impeachment inquiry into President BidenJudge denies Meadows’ bid to move Fulton case to fed court OPINION: Sentenced to death, but never convicted, at the Fulton County Jail The Jolt: Angry activists say Democrats continue to ‘turn their back on us’New report hints at why Loeffler, Perdue were in Fulton probe’s crosshairs Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8, 2023 • 1h 12min
Fulton County's case against Donald Trump enters a new phase
What's next in Fulton County's case against Donald Trump? The trial of the former president and 18 co-defendants enters a new, more unpredictable phase now that each of them have pleaded not guilty. In a live episode of the Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut head to Athens to explore what to expect over the next few months -- and the legal challenges awaiting Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. They also discuss the racketeering charges leveled against activists who are trying to block construction of the public safety complex in Atlanta. And they take questions from an audience of more than 100 students and faculty members from the heart of UGA's campus. 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. Links to today's topics:19 not guilty pleas as Trump Georgia defendants all waive arraignmentFulton judge ‘very skeptical’ of trying all 19 Trump defendants togetherProsecutor says Trump racketeering trial would take four monthsOPINION: Bullets are flying across Georgia and mayors are asking for helpMore than 60 Atlanta training center activists named in RICO Indictment Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 6, 2023 • 53min
Why Georgia’s political map could be redrawn again
Just two years ago, state lawmakers convened at the Capitol to redraw Georgia’s political boundaries. Now they could be poised to revisit the map if a federal judge rules the Republican-backed Legislature illegally weakened Black voters’ electoral power.In this episode of the Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Bill Nigut, and Tia Mitchell discuss the two-week federal trial that could reshape the 2024 election. They also explore the latest attempts to punish Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for bringing charges against Donald Trump. And they talk about President Joe Biden’s attempt to reframe the narrative around his economic agenda.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.Links to today's topics:Georgia redistricting trial begins with focus on Black representationSenate returns ahead of shutdown showdownWill Georgia Senate sanction ‘grifter’ in ranks?Georgia’s Calvin Smyre selected by Biden to serve as UN delegateSubscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 1, 2023 • 57min
Georgia Republicans fear a replay of 2020
A pattern resembling the Donald Trump-fueled misinformation that spread in 2020 is reemerging in 2023. In this episode of Politically Georgia from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut dive deeper into the Trump-fueled feud over District Attorney Fani Willis’ investigation. Plus, hear about the push state Senator Colten Moore is making that has caught the attention of Governor Brian Kemp. Our hosts also discuss the victory for Fulton County election workers Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman and why a watchdog group says U.S. Rep Andrew Clyde’s gun legislation violates ethics rules. 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. Links to today's topics:Kemp rejects talk of special session, says punishing Fani Willis carries risksTrump indictments roil Republicans in Georgia’s SenateGOP leaders battling misinformation in their ranksFederal judge rules in favor of Fulton County election workers’ defamation suitWatchdog group says Rep. Clyde’s gun legislation may violate ethics rules Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 30, 2023 • 45min
Donald Trump is dominating Georgia polls
Indicted for a fourth time, former President Donald Trump still holds a commanding lead in Georgia, where he’s the early favorite to win the Republican nomination. And in this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut explore why the poll could hint at some of his vulnerabilities.Plus, the hosts dive into the challenges ahead for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, from picking a jury pool to fending off efforts by Trump’s allies to undercut her investigation.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. Links to today's topics:AJC poll: Trump leads Republicans in Georgia despite Fulton County chargesTrump loyalists mount ‘defund’ movement targeting Fulton DA Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25, 2023 • 43min
Donald Trump turns himself in
In this edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and our new co-hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell breakdown what happened at the Fulton County jail during the historic surrender of Donald Trump. Tia will also set the scene for the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and the Georgia connection to MLK’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. Have a question for Greg and Patricia? 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 Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Stories mentioned in this podcast · Trump makes history by surrendering at Fulton jail· After Atlanta surrender, Trump calls indictments ‘election interference’· U.S. House committee launches investigation of Fani Willis Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 24, 2023 • 34min
Is Donald Trump the 'loser' of a debate he boycotted?
In this special edition of the Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell look at the performances by the eight GOP presidential candidates who debated Wednesday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. But the elephant missing from the room was former President Donald Trump who skipped the debate for an interview with Tucker Carlson. Does that make him the loser of the first Republican primary debate, as Gov. Brian Kemp suggests? Plus, hear the highlights of the two-hour showdown and the winners and losers of the first Republican debate. 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. Links to today's topics: Trump is ‘elephant not in the room’ at first GOP debateRepublican candidates divided over Trump amid chargesKemp slams Trump as ‘loser’ of GOP debate for boycotting Milwaukee showdown Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 23, 2023 • 46min
The surrenders begin
In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, our new co-hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell join Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein to discuss which defendants in the Fulton County Trump case surrendered Tuesday at Fulton County Jail. You’ll also hear about the renewed push to investigate Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in Georgia’s fake elector plot. And the vow to investigate Fulton County DA Fani Willis over her investigation of Donald Trump. Plus, a preview of tonight’s first Republican primary debate Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Have a question for 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. Links to today's topics: Defendants in Trump case surrender at Fulton jailFollowing Trump indictment, agency moves on investigation of Lt. Gov. JonesTrump’s Georgia allies search for ways to punish Fani WillisTrump’s rivals hope for a breakout moment in first GOP debate Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 20, 2023 • 40min
Special edition: Trump’s rivals try to shift the focus in Atlanta
In this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, political insiders Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy discuss who stood and what they learned at The Gathering with GOP presidential contenders this weekend. Our crew will also discuss how Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is trying to encourage Trump’s supporters to move on from the 2020 election. You’ll also hear from Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, Mike Pence, Tim Scott, Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Have a question for Greg and Patricia? 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 Google Podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Stories mentioned in this podcast · A Kemp-Youngkin tandem has some Trump critics dreaming of a new GOP ticket· A reminder of Trump’s strength at Atlanta conference featuring his rivals· Trump is front-runner, but indictments worry Georgia Republicans· Christie slams Trump as ‘coward’ who will lose if he’s the GOP nominee in 2024· Surging Vivek Ramaswamy promises to pardon Trump “on day one”· Kelly Loeffler back on stage, but not a candidate... yet· Former Vice President Mike Pence: “I did my duty,” on January 6th· Sen. Tim Scott tells GOP audience he’s ready for the fight· DeSantis wants Republicans to ignore the ‘static’· Nikki Haley on South Carolina’s ‘whipping’ economic wins Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices